NRL: Peter V’landys told the Dolphins they HAD TO get Wayne Bennett as coach

Footy supremo Peter V’landys told the Dolphins they HAD TO get Wayne Bennett as coach to get a start in the NRL – as he reveals why they can beat the Broncos as Brisbane’s top team

Peter V’landys has confirmed that he handed the Dolphins a non-negotiable condition when applying for entry as the NRL’s 17th team – they must sign Wayne Bennett as coach.

The ARL Commission boss was delighted to see the Dolphins’ incredible NRL debut on Sunday, when they blew the Roosters away with a 27-18 victory at Suncorp Stadium.

Bennett has bold plans to make the Dolphins the No 1 team in Queensland, and V’landys has told of how the acquisition of the 73-year-old was a deal-breaker when the $100million Redcliffe outfit attempted to acquire an NRL licence.

‘When the Commission decided on the Dolphins, that (Bennett’s hiring as head coach) became a massive condition of mine, yes,’ V’landys told NewsCorp.

‘Because if anyone could build a new franchise from day one, it had to be Wayne Bennett.

Wayne Bennett’s appointment was a non-negotiable for new NRL side the Dolphins

The newcomers enjoyed an incredible NRL debut after defeating the Roosters

The newcomers enjoyed an incredible NRL debut after defeating the Roosters

‘That was the best decision we made. Without him, we wouldn’t be where we are on expansion.

‘There was no-one else for the position.

‘All credit to the Dolphins. They have been a great, professional outfit and the structures they have put in place, they couldn’t have done a better job.

‘But the secret to the success, no doubt, is the presence of Wayne Bennett.

‘The man is a coaching genius.

‘I honestly cannot believe the execution of the new team and Wayne’s ability to identify a roster and bring people together.’

ARL Commission boss Peter V'landys said he insisted on the Dolphins appointing Bennett

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys said he insisted on the Dolphins appointing Bennett

The Dolphins are already trending in the right direction if they wish to become a rugby league powerhouse. 

The newcomers have double the members of the Cowboys and triple the members of the Titans at 21,000 while they have already amassed sponsorship deals worth $10million.

Their NRL debut also amassed a huge TV audience, with more people (567,000) tuning in for the win over the Roosters than for Brisbane’s win over reigning premiers Penrith (567,000).

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