52 SPORT FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2021 Billy, Cam a part of Fred teaches skills Qld’s plan TRAVIS MEYN

THE Maroons have devised a radical plan to replace depart- ing coach Wayne Bennett, which could see Origin legends or take the reins of . Bennett has revealed he will not return as Queensland coach in 2021 after orchestrat- ing last year’s r e m a r k a b l e Origin series victory. The 71-year- old supercoach has opted to focus on his NRL commit- ments with South Sydney ahead of what is his final season in charge of the Rabbitohs. Former coach Paul Green (pictured) is favourite to re- place Bennett as Maroons coach for the 2021 Origin se- ries, which will revert back to its traditional mid-year slot. However, Green’s stint could be short-lived, with the Queensland firmly believing he will be in charge of an NRL club before the year is over. Ansett star Fred Williams has been running popular basketball clinics over the school holidays. Picture: Che Chorley The QRL has a policy to have a dedicated Maroons NATHANIEL CHAMBERS nowna joining in to coach we were practising three down south. If he does go he with imports and local players Origin coach without any NRL juniors between eight and 12. hours a day every day, and will be following fellow im- from Darwin starting to get ties. The rule was relaxed for ANSETT star import Fred “I held a successful coach- that’s what you have to do if ports Joe Jackson, Raymond an opportunity. the unique 2020 series, which Williams is having plenty of ing clinic last week with a you want to go far in this Jarrett and Jerron Jamerson, “It pays to be in the coun- was played after the NRL fun back on the court coach- small, intimate group focused sport.” with fellow Ansett stars Fred- try at the moment. premiership grand final due to ing juniors over the school on development,” Williams For 2021, Williams has his dy Webb, James Toohey and “There are a lot of guys the COVID season suspension. holidays. said. eyes set on securing an NBL1 Joel De Barros all also head- that are getting opportunities The QRL has already held Focused on developing “The feedback was great contract, with plenty of inter- ing down south, taking ad- in the NBL1 and I think they talks with Green, who is keen work ethic and ball skills, and by the end of the week all est already coming his way vantage of opportunities will flourish in that environ- on the job but has expressed he Williams’ initial camp from the parents were contacting from the interstate compe- opening for Darwin players in ment. maintains a desire to coach in January 4-8 for juniors aged me to continue and so now titions, particularly Western 2021. “I did want to go home the NRL after being sacked by between 12 and 16 was a big we’re expanding it. . “The Territory often gets over Christmas as I haven’t North Queensland last year. success. “It’s about helping these And while he’s yet to con- overlooked in terms of talent been home in over two years That is why the QRL is looking The subsequent feedback kids grow and keep them firm where he’s going, the with what is available in other and I’m close to my family, to implement a succession plan inspired Williams to return to moving forward toward a ca- 2019 Championship MVP will states,” Williams told the NT but it didn’t work out as it which could see Green usher the idea as soon as possible, reer in the sport and a lot of take plenty of confidence News. didn’t make sense for my ca- in a longer-term coach like with the next clinic set to take that comes down to work from the amount of Darwin- “But the restrictions in reer or health. Maroons legends Smith, Slat- place from January 18-22, ethic. based imports and young place this year have given “I received a lot of support er, , Johnathan with Ansett’s Frances Fat- “When I was developing players getting opportunities everyone a level playing field from the community here.” Thurston or .

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