RFL won’t rush decision on Wayne Bennett’s future

The RFL won’t rush in to a decision over the future of Great Britain and England coach Wayne Bennett.

Bennett is out of contract following the end of a disastrous tour where the Lions lost all four tests against Tonga, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

That has piled the pressure on the Australian coach, just two years out from a World Cup on home soil.

An RFL statement said: “Like everyone involved on the tour, we are obviously bitterly disappointed by the results of the Test matches – for those loyal and passionate supporters who have followed the team in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and for everyone backing the team from home.

“As stated last week, an objective review of all aspects of the tour will take place when the tour party returns and that timetable has not altered.”

Bennett has been England coach since 2016, and there are hints at a reluctance to change at the top just two years away from a World Cup that the national side will be aiming to win.

The current South Sydney coach is keen to stay in the role, and doesn’t expect a decision to be made overnight.

There have been critics of his squad selection, and his apparent lack of knowledge of Super League players, with out-of-form NRL players preferred.

Bennett has also caused a stir with his comments relating to the GB tour acting as an opportunity to try out things with next year’s Ashes series for England in mind, as well as his apparent reluctance to include Regan Grace, rated by many as the most obvious inclusion from the other home nations.