Wayne Bennett to coach the Kiwis? Dolphins NRL coach Applies for the New Zealand Job

Renowned rugby league coach Wayne Bennett has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the position of New Zealand Kiwis coach, intensifying the competition with Australian rival Mal Meninga.

The Courier Mail reports that Bennett, currently coaching the dolphins, has shifted his preliminary interest into a formal application with the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL).

NZRL chief executive Greg Peters confirmed to Newstalk ZB that Bennett had applied for the role but wouldn’t comment further.

However, the Courier Mail reported Bennett would be short-listed for a formal interview to finalise Michael Maguire’s successor by the end of February. This sets the stage for a potentially fiery clash between Bennett and Meninga at the 2026 World Cup, almost a decade after their memorable duel for the Australia job in 2016, where Meninga emerged victorious.

In an interview with News Corp, Bennett expressed his interest, stating, he was waiting for the NZRL to come back to him.

“This doesn’t mean I’ve got the job, there will be other applicants, but the point is I have expressed interest, the NZRL know that and they have a process going on, so I’m sure they will get back to me at some stage.

“I am waiting to see where it goes. I have been in contact with a guy to make it known I’m keen on the Kiwi job and let’s see what happens.

Wayne Bennett took the Kiwis to victory in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Final.

This article was first published by the nzherald.co.nz