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Rugby League
Brisbane Broncos Talk
Bennett gives Thaiday the tap on the shoulder
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[QUOTE="Harry Sack, post: 2857151, member: 8311"] [SIZE=6][B]Wayne Bennett makes tough call on Sam Thaiday’s Broncos future[/B][/SIZE] PETER BADEL, EXCLUSIVE, The Courier-Mail13 minutes ago Subscriber only WAYNE Bennett has made one of the toughest calls of his 40-year coaching career by telling Sam Thaiday he will not be re-signed by the Broncos. Thaiday — one of Brisbane’s greatest servants — will be forced into retirement at the end of next year unless he opts to continue his 15-year NRL career with another club. Almost three decades ago, the super coach famously axed Wally Lewis as Brisbane captain in a move that eventually led to the Queensland Origin icon signing with the Gold Coast. Now Bennett has made another gut-wrenching call by privately advising Thaiday the 32-year-old would not be retained when his contract expired at the end of next year. The Brisbane coach has enormous respect for Thaiday’s glittering contribution and is working on post-football employment for the 269-game warhorse. “Next year will be the end for Sam with us, he knows that,” Bennett said. Sam Thaiday’s Broncos career is coming to an end. “Sam has a long-term future at the Broncos beyond football and I still want him to be part of the club in some way. “He has such great credibility in the game. We are involved in a lot of indigenous programs where we can use guys like Sam and Justin Hodges, so there is a role. “I guess it’s up to him if he wants to retire next year, but I just know we won’t be re-signing Sam and I’ve told him that.” Bennett’s revelation caps a turbulent period for Thaiday. About four weeks ago, the veteran enforcer was axed by Queensland coach Kevin Walters, leaving him one Origin shy of joining the Maroons’ elite 30-game Statesmen’s Club. Wayne Bennett has had to make some tough calls for the Broncos. Picture: Annette Dew Thaiday has not spoken of retirement. He is fourth on Brisbane’s list of all-time appearances and on track to become just the third Bronco after Darren Lockyer (355) and Corey Parker (347) to play 300 NRL games. Thaiday summoned all his experience to haul Brisbane out of trouble on Saturday night, setting up two tries in their 34-22 defeat of Newcastle. Bennett handed Thaiday his top-grade debut as a 18-year-old in 2003 and has reduced his game time to maximise his impact in his twilight years. “Sam has been a wonderful warrior and I want to give him the respect he deserves,” he said. Sam Thaiday helped the Broncos overcome the Knights on Saturday. “I’ve known Sam a long time. He has played tough his entire career. No one can ever say Sam Thaiday didn’t do his best for the Broncos. “To be honest, we have to play Sam in small bursts these days. He was right in the middle of our comeback (against the Knights). He sensed the moment when we needed to lift and that’s what experience brings for you.” Bennett said Thaiday, who helped the Broncos to a premiership in 2006 and has played 34 Tests for Australia, would have been stung by his Origin axing. “But to his credit, he has got on with it,” he said. “At his age, the commitment you need to play on at this level is huge. “There’s a few young guys I’m now trying to teach to be the player that Sam Thaiday has been.” [/QUOTE]
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