Wayne Bennett's big year...

Is it just me or does everyone just love Wayne Bennett?

I’m not saying we’d ever be good friends, I work in the media, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t give me the time of day….but I love him anyway.

I love what he’s done with the Bronco’s. I love that on the whole they have been a team that young boys could look up to. The Bronco's have a policy, it’s far more important to be a good person off the field, than a champion on. Even those who can’t stand Wayne Bennet don’t deny he is the driving force behind that culture.

Having said that - no man is perfect and I suspect Mr Bennett could take the odd chill pill.

I have no problem with the fact that he didn’t feel secure at the Bronco’s and sought offers elsewhere – like Wayne himself said yesterday, "No point waiting around for them to do a Sheed’s on me."

The sad thing is, if you believe what you read, Mr Bennett might have trashed some important relationships along the way. Bruno Cullen and Wayne Bennett used to be a good team – by all reports, that’s gone now…because Wayne wouldn’t trust Bruno.

At the end of last season Wayne was made a life member at the Bronco’s, surely the most fitting life membership ever awarded, but he refused to make a speech, simply saying "thanks" and walking off stage….I don’t think that showed best judgement.

Wayne Bennett will remain at the Bronco's for the 2008 season, I hope he uses this last year to mend those bridges.

I love that club.

I love that man.

I have no problem with their need to part ways – but it will be a tragedy if they don’t part friends.