Wayne Bennett: Brisbane Broncos coach offered England role

Bennett was overlooked by Australia for coaching role in December 2015

Former Australia coach Wayne Bennett has been offered a role with England by the Rugby Football League.

The 66-year-old Brisbane Broncos boss will speak to RFL officials before deciding whether to accept a position.

Steve McNamara's contract as England coach expired after the 2-1 series win over New Zealand last autumn.

Bennett told the Brisbane Courier-Mail: "We haven't finalised the role but I've been offered some opportunities. I have to find out how they see me involved."

Bennett is one of the game's most experienced coaches and was in charge of Brisbane for 20 years from their formation in 1988. He won six Grand Finals before moving to St George-Illawarra Dragons, where he won another NRL title in 2010.

In addition, he has had three spells with the Queensland State of Origin team and two spells in charge of the national team.

A passionate supporter of international rugby league, he was part of the New Zealand coaching team that won the World Cup in 2008, but was overlooked in favour of Mal Meninga when he applied for the Australia job again in December 2015.

"Everything is on the table," said Bennett. "I wanted to coach Australia, but it's not available now. I wanted to make a contribution to international rugby league.

"About five years ago, the RFL first arrived at my doorstep. It is always about finding the right timing."

The RFL has refused to comment on any discussions with Bennett. It is carrying out a review of the England set-up, which will be concluded in February.

Bennett is due in England next month for Brisbane's World Club Series game at Wigan on 20 February.

England will play Australia, New Zealand and Scotland in the Four Nations tournament in November.

Analysis

BBC Sport's Simon Stone

Wayne Bennett is one of the most respected coaches in rugby league and his appointment - even on a part-time basis - would be a huge coup for the RFL. But if, as anticipated, Bennett combined the job with his present role with Brisbane Broncos, it would raise an issue over how well he knew the Super League players he would be working with.

Many of England's top players, including Canterbury's James Graham and Sam Burgess, who recently returned to the sport after an ill-fated spell in rugby union, are based in Australia. But the majority remain in England and while Bennett will be able to watch virtually every Super League game on TV, he will be relying largely on the opinions of others when it comes to their personalities.