Wayne Bennett was contracted to the Broncos through to the end of the 2019 season

The Broncos had expected to announce Bennett's immediate departure on Friday but they were blindsided by his decision to hold a media conference to declare he would be staying put.White, who was forced to inform Bennett of his termination via "voice message and email" as he could not speak to him directly, said the Broncos "were certainly disappointed with the way that played out"."Wayne held the press conference and he reinforced he wanted to be with us in 2019," he said."We took some time over the last couple of days to consider our total position and I guess on that basis we arrived at the decision that we have
today."White said he expected the players would welcome the decision so the club could "move forward"."I think the reaction of the players will be very positive and I don't say that out of any disrespect to Wayne," he said."Players just require certainty."White said the terms of Bennett's termination were "confidential".While Bennett could not be reached by the Broncos, he was available for comment via a Rabbitohs media release, saying he felt "privileged" to be joining what he described as a "wonderful club"."I'm really pleased it's all resolved and that I can join this great club with a free mind, knowing I did the right thing by the fans, staff and players," Bennett said.