Wayne Bennett has gone against calls for popular choice Willie Peters to be named England’s new rugby league coach after declaring NRL greats Sam Burgess and James Graham would be perfect for the role. Shaun Wane’s decision to quit the post means England are scrambling to appoint a new coach nine months out from the Rugby League World Cup.
The global showpiece is being hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October and November. And Wane’s exit in a World Cup year is far from ideal, with a packed domestic schedule meaning England won’t play any mid-year Tests, ahead of a tough World Cup opener against Tonga in October.
Wayne Bennett (L) has gone against calls for popular Aussie coach and Hull KR mentor Willie Peters (centre) to be handed the vacant England job. Pic: Getty
Wane came under fire for his team selections and tactics after England suffered a clean sweep defeat to Australia during last year’s Ashes series. The Kangaroos won the three-Test series by a combined 70-8, and despite insisting he was the right man to continue leading England after the series, Wane stood down during the week.
English media named Aussie coach Peters as one of the favourites to take over the job after he led Hull KR to a rare domestic treble in England last season. But former England coach and current South Sydney mentor Bennett believes Burgess and Graham would be the best men to take over after ruling himself out of making a return.
Sam Burgess and James Graham ‘ideal’ for England role
“Sam and James are my ideal choices as coaches. Sam is one of the best players I’ve worked with, and James Graham was outstanding during my time with him as English coach,” Bennett told The Sydney Morning Herald. “They were committed guys, they were just good football players; through their leadership on and off the field, they made my job so much easier.”
Burgess is currently the head coach at Warrington Wolves and has been named as another leading contender for the England role. While Graham has shown an astute knowledge of the game after transitioning into a successful media career, following his retirement at the end of 2020.
Wayne Bennett (R) reckons NRL legends Sam Burgess (centre) and James Graham (L) would be the ideal men to lead the England rugby league side. Pic: Getty
Both men are regarded amongst the greatest forwards in England rugby league history. And Bennett says Graham would be an ideal assistant to Burgess if the Rabbitohs legend was handed the top job.
“They’re young, and they have an eye for it, and I know what they’re made of, Bennett added. “Sam is coaching at the moment, so James could be an assistant. You just want them in the team because they care and they have the respect of everybody who played during their era. They have to go down that path and pick those guys because of what they bring.”