Bennett: I thought Eden would quit

Wayne Bennett admitted he thought Greg Eden would return to Super League after failing to break into the NRL last year but now is set to give the Englishman his debut in round one against Parramatta.

Eden was one of the stars in Brisbane’s big win over Wigan. He ran 80 metres for a sensational try, made some great reads in defence and ran the ball strongly.

Eden joined the NRL side in 2015 but spent the whole season in the Queensland Cup.

Bennett believed the ex-Hull KR and Huddersfield man would pack it in when failed to crack his team last year, but has praised the 25-year old’s dedication and perserverance.

“He’s had to get my trust and respect,” Bennett said.

“It has been 15 months in the making. To his credit he stayed last year when he didn’t get an ­opportunity because I didn’t think he deserved it.

“I thought he would go back to England but he didn’t. He hung in there.

“On that performance tonight he will be ([n the round one team]. I was really pleased with him. He’s really had to earn that.”