Wayne Bennett, the renowned coach with seven premiership titles to his name, has sparked speculation about a potential move to coach Papua New Guinea’s inaugural NRL team set to join the league in 2028. Bennett, currently under contract with South Sydney for the next two years, revealed he has had discussions regarding this opportunity, indicating a desire to contribute positively to the game.
While Bennett confirmed his interest, he also acknowledged his obligations to Souths, stating he needs to focus on his current role before making any decisions about coaching the new franchise. Despite his eagerness to assist, former player Corey Parker raised concerns regarding Bennett’s age—he will be 77 when PNG joins the league and is due to finish at Souths in 2027. Parker questioned the feasibility of Bennett taking on such a demanding role at his age, reminiscing about Bennett’s past habits during team meetings, suggesting that he may not be the ideal candidate for spearheading a new team.
South Sydney’s CEO, Blake Solly, has made it clear that the club intends to retain Bennett, illustrating the challenges he would face in terminating his existing contract to pursue the PNG role. Meanwhile, discussions around potential successors for the PNG coaching position have emerged, with names like Brad Arthur, a seasoned coach with varying successes at Parramatta, and Josh Hannay and Willie Peters, though their experience is limited compared to Arthur’s.
Adrian Lam, however, stands out as a compelling candidate due to his strong connections to Papua New Guinea, having played for the Kumuls and navigated a successful coaching career in the UK. Lam led the Wigan Warriors to a grand final and, most recently, achieved a historic Challenge Cup victory with the Leigh Leopards, marking the club’s first major trophy in over 50 years. Yet, Lam also faces a contractual commitment that lasts until the end of 2027, complicating his potential candidacy.
The new PNG franchise is in the midst of establishing its governance, with Ray Dib appointed as chairman and former Melbourne Storm star Marcus Bai joining the board, indicating a promising future as they prepare to step into the competitive arena of the NRL. As the 2028 season approaches, the decisions about coaching leadership will be pivotal in shaping the foundation of this new team.