Wayne Bennet joins St.George Illawara, WLF!!!!

[Luca]

St George Illawarra CEO Peter Doust says the opportunity to secure the services of master-coach Wayne Bennett was simply to good an offer to refuse.

Bennett will replace good friend Nathan Brown at the Dragons in 2009 on a three-year deal, ending his 21-year association with the Broncos.

Brown was informed of the board's decision to appoint Bennett on Monday evening and while disappointed to be leaving the club, the 34-year-old said he had come to terms with the decision.

"Someone like Wayne doesn't come along everyday," Brown said.

"He's won six premierships and life will go on (and) myself and Peter are going to remain great friends and same with the board."

"I'm quite comfortable and at the end of the day I'm still going to be coaching for the rest of this year and basically my main goal is for the rest of this year to do the best we can and have a successful year just like it was a week ago."

Asked if the decision was tinged with some sadness Brown preferred to focus on the positives.

"I've had 17 years (at the Dragons as a player or coach) now and it's been great," Brown said.

"Dad put me on a bus I think when I was about 18 with 200 bucks in my pocket and now I've got a wife and three kids and lots of friends and a great journey - I've travelled the world."

Brown remains undecided on his future plans but has no intention to stop coaching just yet.

Pressed on whether he would consider staying on as an assistant to Bennett next season Brown said: "I haven't spoken to Wayne and they're probably questions for Wayne."

"At the end of the day my main concern's 2008 and I'll probably just let my manager look after what may or may not happen in the future."

Doust echoed Brown's sentiments and assured the club's supporters the current campaign remains top priority.

"We want to be focused on 2008 and our players, coaching staff and management are 100 per cent committed to what we can achieve in 2008," Doust said

[NoName]

I have a feeling that Bellamy will be off to Brisbane soon

[.:LAUREN:.]

It hasnt fazed me that Issy left coz we've got other guys that are coming up into the ranks and its not like he's playing that crash hot lately but if Belly-ache left.. sheesh i'd be a bit shattered but a footy club is bigger than 1 player or coach n i rekon Mooks could take over if Belly does leave..
Mooks already plays a very active role with the players development etc but im pretty sure he's the one that takes the reins when Belly-ache is away on official duties..

** Mooks is Stephen Kearney
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