All hail the original supercoach Jack Gibson and the modern master Wayne Bennett, the first two coaches to be inducted into rugby league's Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024.
The longest serving coach in the game’s history, Bennett has coached 933 games through a career with Canberra (1987), Brisbane (1988-2008 and 2015-18), St George Illawarra (2009-11), Newcastle (2012-14), Souths (2019-21) and the Dolphins (2023-24).
After delivering the Broncos their maiden premiership in 1992 he made it back-to-back titles in '93 and then added the 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2006 premierships to his Red Hill CV before departing for the Dragons.
In 2010 he took the joint venture to their first title in their 12th year in the competition, taking Dragons fans on an emotional ride to glory.
A decade before Bennett went back-to-back at Brisbane, Jack Gibson had steered Parramatta to three on the trot, including their maiden title in 1991 after 34 years in the competition, famously declaring 'ding dong, the witch is dead'.
Apart from the 1981-82-83 titles at Parramatta, Gibson steered Artie Beetson's all-conquering Roosters team to back-to-back premierships in 1974-75.
He won 245 of 394 games as first-grade coach for a winning percentage of 62.2.
“It is an historic moment for the game to recognise for the first time the extraordinary contribution of two legendary coaches, Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said.
“Wayne is the ultimate people manager. He has the rare ability to get the best of a player, no matter their background. Players who come from hard times or players who have everything, Wayne takes them to another level. He can make every player the most important in the team. He has a rare presence that gains the attention of all demographics.
“Jack was just the first super coach. He took calculated risks that always seemed to pay off. Jack was innovative and futuristic and was ahead of his time. His one-liners were legendary.”
As Bennett prepared to coach his 900th premiership game, in Round 9 last year, NRL.com senior journalists Brad Walter and Martin Lenehan produced a special five-part series paying tribute to the master mentor who shows no signs of slowing down.
With Bennett taking his place in the Hall of Fame this week, we take a look back at his remarkable contribution to the game through the words of the men who have shared his journey.
Also inducted today as Hall of Fame inductees are broadcasters Frank Hyde and David Morrow, as well as legendary administrators John Quayle and Ken Arthurson.
All six will be formally inducted in a special ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground on August 21, when rugby league's 14th Immortal will also be unveiled.
