Should Wayne Bennett return as Maroons coach?
State of Origin: The NSW Blues have won State of Origin after an outstanding performance in Game 2, dominating the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium. State of Origin: The NSW Blues have won State of Origin after an outstanding performance in Game 2, dominating the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium....  A historic 26-0 thrashing at Suncorp Stadium has sent the splintered Queensland pack back to the drawing board, with legends of the game ripping into their listless display against NSW on Sunday night. For the first time in Origin history, the Maroons were left scoreless at their Brisbane fortress. Hes no longer the coach of the Queensland Maroons, but Wayne Bennetts influence is still being felt in the State of Origin arena. He shared a call with NSW back and Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell before Game II, and has often been propositioned by fans to return to the helm for the Maroons. With new coach Paul Greens debut series in tatters, having scored just 6 points to the visitors 76, the jokes about Bennett returning have quickly turned into pleas. Veteran rugby league writer Phil Rothfield floated the idea of a Bennett return in his weekly column for the Daily Telegraph. Should the Maroons bring back Wayne Bennett next year, knowing hes finishing up at the Rabbitohs and returning home to Queensland, most likely to set up a new franchise in Brisbane?, Buzz wrote. Hell have the time.  The QRL need to do whatever they can to convince Wayne Bennett to be their coach because its clear only he can turn this team into winners. No idea how he did it but gee he worked some miracles. #StateOfOrigin  Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) June 27, 2021  wayne bennett is the greatest rugby league coach of all time  David Sigston (@dasigston) June 27, 2021  Having turned the 2020 series around to win over NSW as the underdogs, Bennetts return appears to be in the prayers of the most rabid Maroons supporters tonight. Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans took plenty from Bennetts mentorship in the lead-up to the 2021 series, lauding the veterans undeniable pull over rugby league players up north. Wayne is one of the greatest coaches of all time and what works for Wayne maybe doesnt sometimes work for everyone else but for that environment and situation, he absolutely nailed it because we had to get rid of it, he said. Bennett once again hit the headlines this week after Queensland great Ben Ikin announced his move to the Broncos as an official. The move sparked speculation over a potential third-coming for Bennett to Brisbane, however this doesnt appear to be likely. Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher, who has known Bennett for 50 years, believes he would be the perfect fit for a second Brisbane side should it eventuate. If another Brisbane team comes in, I couldnt think of anyone better to direct it than Wayne Bennett, he said. The Broncos have made a decision and I think Kevvie definitely needs the opportunity to grow himself without being in the shadow of Wayne. Kevin deserves the opportunity to put his mark on the Broncos and while Wayne would do a great job back there if he was so able and willing, he would be a great foundation coach for a new franchise.  NSW great shreds Maroons coach  Braith Anasta has torn strips off Queensland coach Paul Green all series, but saved the biggest spray for last after the hosts lost in a downright shellacking in Brisbane. Anasta previously said it was weak as piss for Green to attempt to be seen as the underdogs going into Game I, especially with the first two games being at home for the Maroons. After Queensland had their backsides handed to them at Suncorp, Anasta went in harder. Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans cited a lack of motivation after the match, with Green still fixated on the last-minute omission of Ronaldo Muliatalo. They got it wrong, and thats all they wanted to talk about,  He was so focused they were sold as the underdog. I saw it as poor leadership, I saw it as an excuse. I see this as the same. That should not be your loss after a record breaking loss like that. The Mulatalo incident was insignificant. His performance wouldnt have changed that.  Queensland veteran Cooper Cronk said there wasnt enough responsibility taken by the pair in the post-match press conference. There was zero conviction there, he said. If I was Daly Cherry-Evans sitting there, Id put my hand up as captain and the halfback after scoring six points in the series  its not all on me but theres a large percentage thats on me, because I didnt tell certain people to get into position and didnt get my lead runners in place. This is Origin. 34 of the best players in the world, Ive run out on Suncorp, theres enough motivation when you hear that crowd.