Dragons to do battle without Bennett

St George will be without coach Wayne Bennett for Sunday’s PROBIZ World Club Challenge clash with Wigan, after he was forced to return to Australia for family reasons.

Bennett has returned to be with his gravely ill mother in law, leaving assistant coach Steve Price in soul charge.

“It is important that I am with my family at this difficult time,” said Bennett.

“I am happy with the team’s preparation for the World Club Challenge and am confident they will put in a quality performance.”

Dragons captain Ben Hornby said the squad are confident they can do the job without the former Australia coach.

“Naturally we would all like to have Wayne with us on Sunday however we understand. We are confident with our preparation for the World Club Challenge against Wigan,” said Hornby.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood added: “Our thoughts are with Wayne and his family at this difficult time. I am sure that Steve Price, the rest of the Dragons coaching team and the St George Illawarra players will respond on Sunday with a performance that will do credit to Wayne and the NRL.”