Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak is a man who should be filled with fear right now. He has coached arguably the worst Broncos team in history, one that has missed the finals series for the first time since 1991 and one that for only the second time in its history finished the season with a losing record. Henjak has also allegedly fallen out with senior players at the club over his autocratic coaching style.

His relationship with captain and future Broncos coach Darren Lockyer is the most concerning. Henjak has widened the chasm between the two by refusing Lockyer's demand to play in Brisbane's do-or-die clash with Canberra last Friday night. Lockyer wanted to play through a rib injury and asked to be given until 24 hours before kickoff to prove his fitness but that request was denied by Henjak, who forced Lockyer to announce his withdrawal early in the week. Brisbane subsequently lost the must win match 18-16.

The treatment of Darren Lockyer is seen as the last straw by many senior players, who will no longer tolerate Henjak's dictatorial style. It is believed they are strongly in favour of a coaching change.

Ironically, it is Wayne Bennett who may save Henjak's coaching career.

Bennett, along with former Roosters and Sharks mentor Ricky Stuart, have been mentioned as potential successors to Henjak though it is a job any rugby league coach would sacrifice an arm and potentially a child for, therefore making the list of candidates as long as the list of those involved in rugby league.

While Stuart is highly credentialled, having won a premiership and coached both New South Wales and Australia, his ability as a top-line coach is in question after a disappointing finale at the Roosters and a downright miserable run at Cronulla. Stuart is also renowned for being a micro-manager who overcoaches teams he is in charge of, traits that rarely sit well with older players.

Brisbane may in fact keep their powder dry and wait for Bennett, who comes off contract with the Dragons at the end of next season. Bennett is as revered as any figure in Queensland and would most likely be welcome to the idea of returning home given Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen, with whom he has a rocky relationship, is retiring. Bennett is viewed as the perfect coach to transition Darren Lockyer into the top job.

North Queensland coach Neil Henry is another who may have Bennett to thank for his survival. Henry has had back-to-back losing seasons in charge of the Cowboys with a career record of 16-32 at the club and it has been rumoured throughout his tenure that he has not had the support of senior players at the club including skipper Johnathan Thurston. The performance of some this season suggested Cowboys players were not responding to Henry.

Henry is only two years into a five year deal but there is no doubt his position is in jeopardy. Financial factors may lead to him receiving another season but it is more likely the availability of Wayne Bennett in 2012 will keep Henry in the job. It was speculated that Wayne Bennett would move to the Cowboys when he left the Broncos but boardroom politics reportedly scuppered that plan. The lack of on-field success should see the Cowboys chase Bennett hard.

Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson has received the dreaded full support of the board. Anderson should have enough credit points for taking the Eels to the 2009 decider but Parramatta have already sounded out New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney and former Storm assistant Michael Maguire. Parramatta were terribly disappointing this season but it would be drawing a long bow to blame Anderson for those failings. The public support of skipper Nathan Hindmarsh is likely the only factor saving Anderson.

The other five coaches who missed the finals will all likely be there in 2011. Craig Bellamy has the Melbourne job as long as he wants it and has turned in arguably the finest coaching performance of his career this season. South Sydney disappointed in 2010 after some big name recruitment but John Lang had his roster ravaged by injury and he is close friends with CEO Shane Richardson. Shane Flanagan has just taken over at Cronulla. Newcastle arguably overachieved and Rick Stone will certainly be given another chance. Canterbury were dreadful this year but Kevin Moore did win Coach of the Year honours last season and the Bulldogs are historically loyal to coaches.

It looks like the prospect of luring Wayne Bennett north in 2012 will keep two coaches in their jobs. His reputation has only enhanced since moving to the Dragons and both Brisbane and North Queensland will have few qualms about axing their current coaches to get Bennett pulling the strings. His availability after next season will likely ensure coaching changes are avoided this off-season though that should do little to ease the concern Ivan Henjak, Neil Henry and Daniel Anderson have over their job security.