Actually, it’s more like an uppercut. 

Bennett took up the English coaching position after missing out on the Kangaroos job which went to Meninga.

And the former Maroons mastercoach could not help but deliver a jibe at the Broncos mentor when touching down in Manchester.  

“He wants my job but he hasn’t got it,” Meninga said.

“So obviously he’ll be trying his damnedest to usurp me. We’ll see what happens.”

Bennett last coached the national side in 2005 and was intent on reclaiming the gig after Tim Sheens’ contract was not renewed last year.

Meninga said he was unsure if Bennett had taken the position to pull the pants down of the ARL and show them who the best coach was.

 “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask him that question,” he said.

“But I still think it’s good for international rugby league, having the best coach, the master coach, coaching England.

“Hopefully they’ll play really well and make the series an exciting one.”