McGuire expects Bennett at Broncos in 2019
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Josh McGuire expects Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to honour his contract and be at the helm of the club in 2019.
McGuire, speaking to media before flying out with the Kangaroos for a two-Test tour of New Zealand, said he was aware of the speculation around the future of Bennett who has been told he will not be coaching Brisbane in 2020.
"There is a lot of speculation but as far as I am aware and what I have been told is that he will be there next year," McGuire said.
"Us as a playing group are preparing for next year. We can't look too far ahead. Obviously, things happen in rugby league but us as a playing group know we are playing footy next year and it will be under Wayne Bennett.
"He's been telling us all year he has a contract [for 2019] and he will fulfil his contract. As a team, we will do our job and he will do his."
Bennett gave a speech at Broncos presentation night that has been described as "cryptic" but it was one where he certainly did not say that he would not be back in 2019.
McGuire confident Bennett will stay at Broncos
On September 25 the Broncos put out a statement, which Bennett ticked off on and was quoted in, which confirmed he would be the coach in 2019.
NRL.com has been told by Brisbane staff and players since that statement was released that Bennett has reiterated that commitment to them.
In the background is the realisation that Bennett, who intends to continue coaching in 2020, will be seeking another NRL club to coach at.
On October 4 NRL.com reported that the Wests Tigers were on the verge of striking a deal to release Ivan Cleary to join Penrith and that they were moving to finalise a long-term contract with Bennett.
The NRL coaching merry-go-round for 2019 and beyond is expected to play out in the coming days but McGuire, who will return to pre-season training in December after his Test commitments, said his focus would be on giving Bennett a fairytale farewell.
"I wouldn't be playing rugby league if I didn't want to win a premiership or didn't believe in it," McGuire said.
"It's a long road and things happen in rugby league, but we haven't been able to play to our potential or fulfil what the club required of us. The players know that and are disappointed about that but we can't carry that with us. We have to move on and start next year fast."
Before returning to clubland, McGuire is focussed on performing for Australia and continuing the form he showed as an integral member of the 2017 World Cup winning side.
Keary stunned by Kangaroos call-up
The Kangaroos have named a plethora of outstanding back-rowers and middle forwards and McGuire said he was relishing the competition for spots which would ensue in the coming fortnight with Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.
"The way the game is going at the moment it is a pretty fast up-tempo game so we have a pretty good mix of big middles and versatile middles. We have great diversity in the side," McGuire said.
"It [the competition for spots] makes everyone better. Mal [Meninga] has an idea of what kind of players he likes and what suits his style of football.
"You never take an Australian jersey for granted. We are all good mates but at the end of the day we are all pushing each other to be better and play our best football for Australia."
