Who could replace Wayne?
Daryl Powell
Having worked wonders at Castleford, guiding them to their first ever League Leaders’ Shield this season, Daryl Powell would be a popular choice all round. During his five years in charge at the Jungle, the Tigers have gone from the bottom to the top of Super League, with Powell winning Super League’s Coach of the Year twice. Castleford dominated the 2017 season, accumulating the joint-most Super League points and finishing some 10 points clear at the top. While Powell’s attacking style of rugby has gained many plaudits, his teams are also well-drilled and organised which will make him a popular choice for England.
Castleford CEO Steve Gill said earlier this year that he would have no problem with Powell combining his job at the Tigers with the England role, which may tempt the RFL to approach the 52-year-old should Wayne Bennett decide to leave.
Brian McDermott
Leeds Rhinos most successful ever coach Brian McDermott will be one of the leading contenders should the England position become available. Since taking over as Leeds coach in 2011, the 47-year-old has won every domestic honour available, including the treble in 2015. In that time he has had many critics, none more so than in 2016 when a disastrous campaign saw the Rhinos finish in the Qualifiers. However, Leeds bounced back this year to win the Grand Final against a much-fancied Castleford at Old Trafford.
McDermott also has experience at international level after becoming USA coach in 2015, leading them to Qualification for this year's World Cup. Despite failing to win a game at the tournament, his time with the States adds yet more value to his CV and this could tempt England.
Shaun Wane
This appointment would certainly split opinion, but Shaun Wane could be what England need as they try to finally overhaul the Kangaroos.
Like Brian McDermott, Wane has won ever domestic honour in the English game since taking over as Wigan head coach ahead of the 2012 season. He has an ability to get his players to rise for the big occasion which could suit an international role. Wane has applied for the England job in the past but has been overlooked, maybe this time he could be the chosen one and if he is, there is no doubting he will provide our players with passion and motivation in a bid to become the world’s leading Rugby League nation.
Denis Betts
England’s current assistant Denis Betts will certainly be seen as one of the leading candidates should Wayne Bennett depart. He obviously has the huge advantage of already being involved in the England setup and isn’t short of experience. Betts has consolidated Widnes as a Super League club over the last five years and his achievements with the Vikings have perhaps gone under the radar considering the amount they have spent compared to their Super League rivals. He seems very popular with the England players and although many may see this as an easy option, it’s one that could definitely work, especially if he decides to take on the England role full-time.
Paul Anderson
Also currently an assistant coach to Wayne Bennett alongside Denis Betts and Paul Wellens, Paul Anderson is another option for England.
Should Anderson be appointed, he is likely to be full-time and this could be a deciding factor. He has experience as a head coach from his time with Huddersfield, where he won the League Leaders’ Shield in his first year in charge. Again, like Betts, he is already involved in the England setup and seems very popular with the current group. How popular this choice would be with supporters’ remains to be seen, but Anderson certainly has the potential to be a great head coach and this would be the perfect opportunity to prove it.
