Ian Watson feels Wayne Bennett should have been given longer as England coach
IAN Watson is open to becoming new England boss Shaun Wane’s assistant – even though he feels Wayne Bennett should have stayed.
The former Wigan chief will approach people he wants to work with him after replacing the Australian in the next week.
And Salford coach Watson, who was a number two to Bennett on last year’s Great Britain tour is up for staying in the international picture.
However, he feels Bennett – overlooked by the Rugby Football League – should have been given the chance to lead England to next year’s World Cup.
Watson said: “I feel a bit for Wayne if I’m honest. He did a great job and got England to a World Cup final.
“He probably should’ve been given the opportunity with England to take that forward and see if he could finish the job.
“His aim, even talking to him with Great Britain, was to win a World Cup final with England and he felt he was on course for that.
“I feel for him on that.
“It’s a good one for Shaun. I think he’s a good coach and he’s won championship after championship.
“He’s now been in a high performance environment at Scotland Rugby Union, so he’ll be well positioned to come in.
“We’ll see what happens with assistants. You like to be involved at the top end of the game and it’s something I’ll definitely look at going forward.”
