Wayne Bennett set to stay as England coach – and Daryl Powell may succeed him
Australian is thought to have agreed a new deal with Castleford coach Powell set to step up after him
WAYNE Bennett is the man wanted to take England towards the next World Cup - and Daryl Powell may join him.
The Australian is believed to be close to agreeing a new contract with the Rugby Football League after guiding them to last year's final.
And SunSport understands from RFL sources that one plan may be to link the man known as Supercoach up with Castleford chief Powell.
Interim chief executive Ralph Rimmer insisted the next England chief must to sign a four-season deal until the next tournament on these shores in 2021.
But that may in fact relate to any deal for Powell, with him starting as number two before being promoted to the top job, which he admits he would take.
Bennett has got the mid-season international he craves as a Test against New Zealand in Denver on June 23 is sorted – and he claimed it has to happen now the likes of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji can get top stars released from clubs.
“If this game wasn't to go ahead it would be hypocritical,” the 68-year-old said. “And it would be a case of bias against the English given other countries can now get players released.
“England just can't compete if they expect to just play whatever Tests they can play in the off-season and be as competitive. They need these big games.”
Rugby director Kevin Sinfield has completed his review of last year's tournament and has recommended who he feels should be in charge for the future.
It is understood he has concluded Brisbane boss Bennett, who is out of contract, is the man to lead the nation forward and may also land the job when the Great Britain side plays again next year.
