Rugby League Coaching Manuals

By Andrew Webster, Daily Telegraph - "I knew I wasn't going to be asked any questions today," Jason Taylor grinned. He was right. For much of the media conference to launch this year's Charity Shield, the South Sydney coach was content to sit and listen to what his St George Illawarra counterpart had to say.

Whether he likes it or not, the ebb and flow of Wayne Bennett's first year at the Dragons - the first in 21 years away from the Broncos - will be the subplot we all tune into this NRL season. It thickens every day.

"You can write it,'' the skinny coach drawled when asked if he agreed he's the story of the year. "But don't expect me to make a contribution to it. No, I'm not going to beat myself up about expectation and what other people think we can and can't do. I know what I'm capable of. I'm committed to it. I'm enjoying it. After that, the rest will look after itself. We'll get there.''

Bennett walked into the media call to announce the game at ANZ Stadium on February 28 in cargo shorts and a club shirt. Taylor was suited in signature Armani.

There's an ocean of difference in their attire and records, but both coaches will feel the heat this season. Taylor has many masters he must report to: club owners, chief execs, coaching directors. Bennett is seemingly answerable to nobody, vested with the job of building the house Nathan Brown couldn't. Instead, he wears the glare of an entire code.

"I haven't turned the place upside down,'' Bennett insisted. "It didn't need to be turned upside down. There are a lot of good things they do. Generally, footballers are the same wherever you go. I didn't notice a great deal of difference (when I got here). What I've tried to do is not change the things they have done well. The things they haven't done well, I've tried to work on.''

Bennett has enjoyed the anonymity of living and working in Wollongong, away from the familiar faces of the press in Brisbane - and at arm's length from the not so familiar ones in Sin City.

His old mobile phone number from the Broncos now diverts to the voicemail of someone called "Gilly''. You're a better chance of getting Bin Laden's than his new one.

"At every training session I did for 21 years at the Broncos, there'd be one journalist if not half a dozen there,'' he smiled. "I've only seen one in Wollongong. I've enjoyed that.''

To his credit, he is making an effort with the scribes this side of the border. The no-no-yes-why-don't-you-ask-him responses have gone. Then again, he's yet to lose three in a row. And he remains typically prudent with his words.

Who will his captain be? "I'm in no rush. I've got six weeks to make that decision.''

What about positions? Jamie Soward or Mat Head at halfback? Dean Young at hooker? "Again, that's what the trials are for. The Charity Shield will put us close to our best team on the field that night.''

Will he still help Stephen Kearney coach the Kiwis? "That's a decision I have to make soon. I'll make a decision in the next couple of weeks''

How's life in the 'Gong? Been hanging out in the mall? "I've been down the beach.''

The revolution continues next Monday when the Dragons fly to Perth for a training camp before playing the Roosters on February 14. The Rabbitohs start their campaign against the Tigers at Redfern Oval this Sunday.

Later, Taylor was asked if it bothered him that he'd been largely shunned by the press. "Not at all,'' he said. "I'm as interested as anyone else.''