Sacked Ivan Henjak did not heed warnings
Dean Ritchie From: The Daily Telegraph February 22, 2011 12:00AM
Ivan Henjak was repeatedly told to iprove his communication with senior players at Brisbane.
He didn't listen.
One source close to the Brisbane Broncos said last night: "His communication skills were terrible, particularly with the senior and older guys. There was a distinct lack of dialogue. He basically lost the support of the players."
Brisbane's board finally had enough yesterday, sacking Henjak only three weeks before the start of the season.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Brisbane are interested in luring Dragons coach Wayne Bennett back to Suncorp Stadium.
Bennett and Craig Bellamy are known to be the club's top two choices although Bellamy has a long-term deal at Melbourne Storm.
It is also known that Bennett and new Brisbane CEO Paul White are friends.
The timing of Henjak's sacking was extraordinary after he completed a full off-season.
Henjak had not exactly fallen out with senior players but he constantly failed to consult them. "They were frustrated," a source said.
Henjak's relationship with skipper Darren Lockyer was strained. Greg Inglis told friends he may have remained at Brisbane - and not joined Souths - had Henjak not been coach.
Brisbane assistant coach Anthony Griffin will take over as caretaker coach for this season. Griffin, 44, has previously coached in the Queensland Cup, Brisbane's NYC team and was an assistant at the Storm.
It is unlikely Henjak will coach at NRL level again.
Just a few days ago Henjak was talking enthusiastically about the coming season. It would appear he did not see his dismissal coming.
Ricky Stuart, Nathan Brown and Mick Potter were last night mentioned as other candidates to replace Henjak.
The Broncos may though opt for a Queensland-born coach. It is understood Henjak was given three months' pay on the condition of strict confidentiality surrounding his departure.
"It has been decided at board level that a change needed to be made in this regard and that change will be made effective immediately," White said.
"These are tough times for all parties concerned."
Griffin has strong support internally at Brisbane.
"Anthony Griffin has done a long apprenticeship at a number of clubs and we are very confident he has the skills and drive to be a success as head coach of Brisbane," said Broncos general manager of football operations Andrew Gee. Just last October, new CEO White, said: "Ivan is the coach. I'll be coming into this role in January when the season is about to start and I'll give him my full commitment, support and leadership."
Henjak won 27 of his 51 games over two years.
