At 76, Bennett bench-presses with young Rabbitohs halfback Ward
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, 76, bench-pressed 95kg against halfback Ashton Ward's 100kg in a friendly test.
Campbell Graham tells the story of how Wayne Bennett, South Sydney's coach from the pre-digital era, still keeps up with players who grew up glued to screens. The 76-year-old rolled into training and challenged halfback Ashton Ward to a bench-press competition as an icebreaker: Bennett hit 95kg, Ward 100kg.
The bench press was close enough that Graham reckons they drew. Bennett's tricks don't stop there.
Playmaker Jayden Sullivan got a pillow from him after sitting on the bench unused; the coach said he didn't want his "backside getting sore". Forward Adam Elliott had Bennett pretend not to know who he was when Elliott arrived to sign.
Players say the pranks and wind-ups work. Cody Walker reckons Bennett's humour clears players' heads and tests how they react.
"He knows how to get every player up in his own little way," Walker said.
- 76 years old
- Bennett's age
- 95kg
- Bennett's bench press
- 100kg
- Ward's bench press
- South Sydney Rabbitohs coach
- Role
Why it mattersShows how personality and old-school tactics can motivate younger players better than hype; unusual coaching method that wins results.
AustraliaSouth Sydney has made finals for the first time since 2023 under Bennett's leadership; the NRL side faces an elimination final against Newcastle.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 8 h ago
