NRL boss shuts down Bennett- PNG coaching speculation

National Rugby League chief executive Andrew Abdo has dismissed reports linking veteran coach Wayne Bennett to the head coaching role for the Papua New Guinea NRL franchise.

Speaking to 9News after his visit to Port Moresby for the official announcement of PNG’s inaugural NRL board, Abdo clarified that no decisions have been made regarding the team’s coaching staff.

“Any mentions of names at the moment is pure speculation, there hasn't been any decisions made and certainly no formal offers made,” he told 9News.

The clarification follows mounting speculation, suggesting Bennett was the front-runner to lead the expansion team, anticipated to enter the NRL in 2028.

Bennett, who began his second stint with the South Sydney Rabbitohs this season, is currently contracted until 2027. However, Souths are reportedly in talks to extend his deal through to 2028, the very year the PNG team is expected to debut.

Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly confirmed the club’s intent to keep Bennett longer, praising his leadership impact since returning.

“We can also understand why [Australian Rugby League Commission chairman] Peter V’landys and the commission are keen to have Wayne involved in the new club based out of Port Moresby,” Solly said.

Despite Abdo’s denial, Bennett himself confirmed to News Corp that he has held informal discussions with Australian Rugby League Commission [ARLC] chair Peter V’landys about the PNG project.

“Yes, we’ve talked about it [the PNG team],” Bennett told News Corp earlier in the week.

“We’ll just see where I am in a couple of years. I will see where I’m at and where PNG is at. I’ve got to sort myself out. I have great respect for Peter V’landys and I’ll help the game out if I can, but I’m not going to do anything right now.

“I’m still contracted for a few years here at Souths, so I’ve got to do my time here and we’ll see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Dolphins CEO Terry Reader has publicly endorsed Bennett for the PNG role, a potential move that could significantly shift the league’s coaching landscape.

For now, however, the NRL insists no coaching appointments have been made as the PNG franchise continues laying the groundwork for its historic entry into the competition.