Rivals are already lining up for Wayne Bennett with the veteran NRL mentor admitting he may continue coaching at another club if replaced by Craig Bellamy at Brisbane.
Bennett, 68, said he wanted to remain at the Broncos after his contract expired at the end of 2019 but revealed he had received offers from two NRL clubs amid speculation Bellamy was Brisbane-bound.
Bennett and Broncos CEO Paul White fronted the media on Wednesday following reports Brisbane were ready to table a four-year deal worth more than $5 million for Bellamy to make a switch as early as 2019.
White said Bennett would be coach next year but gave no other guarantees as Brisbane sweated on Bellamy considering the Storm's three year contract extension.
In a bizarre twist, Bennett said he had recommended the club talk to his former Broncos assistant Bellamy a month ago.
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"I initiated it. I said we would be silly not to look at him," Bennett said.
"I don't want it unfolding without me being a part of it, without me having some control over it.
"I haven't spent 25 years here doing the things I have done for me to walk away with the club in bad shape - that can't happen on my watch."
Bennett did not want to be defined by his age but admitted it may become a factor when his future at the Broncos was assessed.
"I would prefer to stay here. But I am trying to be honest," he said.
"It could come pretty quickly for me. I could be in ill health in six months' time and all of a sudden I can't continue.
"I have to be realistic and also do the right thing by the club so it is not disadvantaged."
Seven-time premiership-winning mentor Bennett ruled out coaching in England but did reveal two rival NRL clubs had already approached him including "one based in Sydney".
"I have already had a couple of offers - the door is not closed on me," Bennett said.
"At this point in my life I feel I still have a lot to offer.
"I feel great now and I won't be defined by my age but if the club (Broncos) doesn't see that is relevant I will coach somewhere else."
White confirmed he had had discussions with Bellamy about replacing Bennett in 2020 on the veteran Broncos mentor's recommendation.
Bennett categorically ruled out sharing the Broncos reins with Bellamy next year and hinted that he would make a decision on his long-term future early next year.
White threw his support behind Bennett as 2019 coach.
"I want to state categorically that Wayne is our coach for 2019. I have had discussions with Craig Bellamy but there are no contract negotiations," he said.
The controversy ensured Bennett did not want to talk about coaching his 800th game - ninth-placed Brisbane's clash with Parramatta on Thursday night.
"It's the last thing that interests me. It is just a number," he said.
