Wayne Bennett is expected to be unveiled as the inaugural coach of the Dolphins this morning, with the club to make a “major announcement” at 10:30am (Queensland time).
The NRL announced last week that the Dolphins had won the race to enter the NRL in 2023, beating off bids from the Firehawks and Jets to become the fourth Queensland team in the competition.
It’s the first time a new club has been admitted since Gold Coast re-joined the competition in 2007.
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Bennett has been widely linked to the role, having expressed a desire to return to Queensland after his contract with Souths finished this season.
He said last week that he was “99 per cent” sure a deal to coach the Dolphins would be agreed after meeting with club officials.
“Long, good meeting. Really pleased with it,” Bennett said.
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“We haven’t finalised anything yet, it’s heading in the right direction.
“There’s a couple of things we have to sort out, but there’s nothing major.
“I’m 99 per cent sure we will get it all worked out.”
Bennett is expected to coach the side for at least the first two seasons in the NRL, in 2023 and 2024.
Attention will now turn to the club’s roster, with players coming off contract at the end of 2022 able to sign with the Dolphins from November 1.
The 71-year-old Bennett knows exactly what’s involved in setting up a team, having served as the coach of the Brisbane Broncos when they entered the competition in 1988, a role he held until 2008.
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