The Wayne Bennett video NRL fans thought they'd never see
Ahead of his first NRL season with the Dolphins, Wayne Bennett has unexpectedly channelled a childhood hero.
It's Wayne Bennett like you've never seen him before. Channelling his inner Clint Eastwood – Bennett's favourite actor and a man he is often compared to due to the pair's propensity not to waste words – the master coach has taken on an acting role ahead of the 2023 season.
Wayne plays himself in an advertisement for Kayo Sports, seated at an Italian restaurant with NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell and AFL heavyweight Scott Pendlebury and delivering just two words – "Is it?" - in typical deadpan style while holding a menu in his hand.
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The Dolphins coach won’t be headed to Hollywood anytime soon but, by his conservative standards, this is a wild departure from the humourless character most rugby league fans see throughout a season. The ad – the first brand campaign Bennett has been involved in - will be seen and heard on television, radio, online, social, cinemas and on outdoor advertising.
The campaign targets the average sports fan, who has to fit his/her passion around life's everyday commitments and chores. Kim McConnie, Kayo Sports Marketing Director, told Yahoo Sport Australia that Bennett took to the task with enthusiasm despite his usual reluctance to front the cameras.
"We connected with Wayne through Kayo's relationship with the Dolphins. It's very well known that he doesn't do things like this, so it's a real treat for league fans to see him in a different light," she said.
"He took to the task like a pro and his natural no-nonsense attitude gives the ad that extra layer of humour which we're sure fans will love. This season, we are taking a fresh approach by letting busy sports fans know that we understand their time is precious and that watching their favourite team can’t always be the top priority.
"We want them to know that Kayo Sports fits seamlessly into their busy lifestyles, it doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. We are Australia’s only sports streaming service that allows fans to watch their team whenever, wherever, and however they want."
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Kayo Sports recently signed a four-year deal with the Dolphins, giving it naming rights on the new club's home base at Redcliffe in Brisbane.
The Dolphins' preparation for their maiden NRL season goes up a gear on Sunday night when they take on the Cowboys in a trial in Cairns.
Bennett's men open their premiership campaign against the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on March 5.
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