League: Kiwis optimistic about retaining Bennett

The Kiwis will talk to Wayne Bennett once he has settled in with new club St George-Illawarra. Photo / Getty Images

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New Zealand Rugby League chairman Ray Haffenden remains optimistic about the possibility of Wayne Bennett returning to help coach the Kiwis next season.

The Kiwis are keen to continue with Bennett as an advisor to coach Steve Kearney following their successful World Cup campaign, and Haffenden says Bennett may yet be enticed to return. He says a decision is unlikely to be reached soon but Bennett is on a roll with the Kiwis and is not the type to turn his back on a team.

Haffenden says he will discuss the option with Bennett next year once he has settled in as the new coach of the St George-Illawarra Dragons.

Kearney is signed up to the Kiwis until the end of next year.

- NEWSTALK ZB