I reckon Wayne Bennett is kidding if he thinks the rivalry between the Broncos and the NRL’s newest team the Dolphins isn’t going to be a “thing”...

Breaking his silence on the prospect of becoming the Dolphins inaugural coach from 2023, Bennett was at pains to say that any rivalry between the two clubs wouldn’t even be mentioned when he takes the reins of the competition newcomer.

That might be Wayne’s policy, but you can rest assured that it won’t be one followed by the media, fans and NRL administrators. In fact, the prospect of Wayne Bennett leading the new side against the club that sacked him, is the biggest thing to happen to Queensland rugby league for decades. The hype surrounding that first local derby – and you don’t have to be Nostradamus to predict it will be at Suncorp Stadium – will be at a level not seen since the golden days of State of Origin.

NRL boss Peter V’Landys and his marketing people will already be rubbing their hands together in anticipation – and they’re not the only ones. The entire rugby league community should be over the moon at the thought of the extra games that another local team will bring to Brisbane.

While the Dolphins will also play games at Redcliffe and the Sunshine Coast, it will be their regular matches in front of massive crowds at Suncorp Stadium that will let their players and fans know that they have really hit the big time.

I reckon the NRL have made the right choice with the Dolphins, and with Wayne Bennett on board, they can’t lose.

What do YOU reckon?

Agree: It will be great to have another local team to support. The Broncos have had it all to themselves for too long.

Disagree: There won’t be any rivalry. The Dolphins will take years before they can even come close to beating the Broncos – with or without Wayne Bennett.