NRL legend and Brisbane board member Darren Lockyer has detailed the breakdown of a relationship with former coach Wayne Bennett.

Once former player and mentor, the dynamic changed at the Broncos once Lockyer joined the board — which was instrumental in replacing Bennett with new coach Anthony Seibold.

As a result, the long-term relationship was fractured, with Lockyer admitting last week they were no longer on speaking terms.

On Channel 9’s 100% Footy on Monday night, Lockyer said the breakdown started after the club made an approach to Craig Bellamy, who was off-contract at the time.

“I think when Craig Bellamy became available, from the club’s perspective, he was the future beyond Wayne, when Wayne was to retire,” Lockyer said.

“But once that approach to Craig had become public then relationships were fractured at the club and in the end…it became untenable.

“Seibold was one of the candidates to come in and replace Wayne.

“We’re speaking [Lockyer and Bennett], but we’re working through it.

“I think just with what’s gone on in the past, it’s always going to be there.”

Bennett’s dramatic exit and Seibold’s arrival dragged on throughout the off-season and finally came to a head when the coaches swapped clubs in late December — weeks into the pre-season.

However, Lockyer stands by the club’s decision to replace their most successful coach.

“Anthony, has a real philosophy around how he manages people he also has a philosophy around the way he focuses on process with the players,” he said.

“He uses a lot of data, he uses a lot science but at the same time we as a committee felt that his approach which is a new age approach was the right approach for this current crop.”