Friday 19 February 2016 16:53, UK
Wayne Bennett believes there will be no issues with him combining the role of England coach with his position at Brisbane Broncos.
Australian rugby league's most successful coach was installed as the replacement to Steve McNamara earlier this month.
It was seen as something of a controversial move not only because McNamara had led England to a series win over New Zealand in the autumn, but because Bennett will remain in charge at Brisbane alongside his role with England.
But Bennett, 66, does not feel the dual role will cause any problems and is looking forward to helping the national side build on their success against the Kiwis.
"They had a wonderful series win against New Zealand but people are talking now about the next level the team can get to," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"That's why I'm here - I believe I can get them to the next level; that's my challenge and that's the players' challenge.
"I've coached Australia on three occasions and I'm pretty familiar with the workload. There are no interruptions because it is the off-season for Brisbane.
"I wouldn't have considered the job if I didn't think we stood a chance of being a very competitive team and I look forward to working with them."
And he added: "I have spoken to some of the squad and I don't think assessing them will be an issue. We get all of the Super League in Australia and we can get any of the games we want over there too.
"There are 10 of them playing in England and 10 in Australia so I'm pretty comfortable with that."
That's why I'm here - I believe I can get them to the next level; that's my challenge and that's the players' challenge.
Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood also defended the decision, underlining his belief that Bennett is unquestionably the right man for the role.
"It's about ability and competence and we believe this is the right appointment to take the team to the next level," he said.
"Everybody's entitled to an opinion but I think you'd have to look very hard to find a more suitable coach than this man on my right."
Meanwhile, Bennett has confirmed Wigan loose forward Sean O'Loughlin will remain as the national captain, insisting he will not make changes for changes sake.
"I'm not here to re-invent the wheel. Steve has done a really good job," said Bennett.
"The team has shown some improvement and they've just had a wonderful series victory over New Zealand.
"Everybody is talking about taking that next step and that's why I'm here, hopefully I can take them to the next level."
