Powell: Bennett is right to appoint an England-based assistant

New England coach Wayne Bennett will remain in charge of Brisbane Broncos in Australia’s NRL, but is expected to appoint a Super League-based assistant. Powell – who has been part of previous England set-ups – is likely to be among the contenders and he said: “It is not something I have thought about, but I think it [appointing an assistant based in England] will be a wise thing to do.

“There’s quite a few excellent candidates in the British game and I am sure Wayne will have links with some of them already.

“If approached you always consider things like that, but at the moment I am just focusing on what I am doing at Castleford.”

Bennett replaces Steve McNamara, whose contract has not been renewed. Powell said: “His record speaks for itself. He has been a superb coach for a number of years.

“I have had the pleasure of his company in the past and he is a very intelligent man who knows the game of rugby league inside out.

From that perspective he will be outstanding in the role.”

The Castleford coach feels having input from within the English competition is essential. He added: “Getting someone based in this country is really important to make sure the best players take the field at the end of the season.”