Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett will deliver the 2018 Ross Livermore Lecture at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday (May 19).
* Please Note: There has been a venue change from RLCQ to the Paddington Room, Suncorp Stadium (Entry via Gates D & E on the Northern Plaza with a scheduled 10am start time)
Bennett, the most successful coach in rugby league history, follows in the footsteps of the likes of noted authors Hugh Lunn and Adrian McGregor; media identities Steve Haddan, John McCoy and Steve Ricketts, and Professor Max Howell in delivering the lecture, named in honour of former QRL managing director, the late Ross Livermore.
It is fitting that Bennett should be invited to give the 2018 address, given his club, the Brisbane Broncos, are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their inaugural season, and the club has just moved into magnificent new headquarters at Red Hill.
Bennett was the Broncos' inaugural coach, and prior to that had coached Souths and Brothers in the Brisbane competition, as well as Brothers in Ipswich.
In 1971, Bennett was chosen in the Australian team for a tour of New Zealand, after he made his state debut the same year.
He played nine times for Queensland between 1971 and '73 – seven times against New South Wales and once each against New Zealand and Monaro Division (NSW Country).
He played club football at Warwick and in Toowoomba and Ipswich, as well as turning out for Brothers and Souths in Brisbane.
Bennett coached Souths to the 1985 BRL title, and the Broncos to premiership success in 1992, '93, '97, '98, 2000 and 2006, as well as guiding St George Illawarra to grand final glory in 2010.
He was Queensland State of Origin coach from 1986-88; in 1998 and again from 2001-03. Bennett coached Australia in 1998 and again in 2004-05; was assistant coach of New Zealand when they won the 2008 World Cup, and is the current England coach.
His address will draw on his vast experience in our great game.
* Admission to this Saturday's event at Suncorp Stadium (10am start) is free, however there are limited spots available. RSVP to the Queensland Rugby League via email rugbyleague@qrl.com.au or phone 3367 6000.
