[2] Leigh's relegation from Super League had been all but confirmed at the time of his appointment and he knew his task would be to lead the club back to the top.
Benson parted company with Leigh after the club's defeat by Batley Bulldogs in the 2006 National League One playoffs.
Following the announcement, a number of Leigh's coaching staff and management left the club, resigning to show solidarity with Benson.
Benson left his job at London Skolars at the end of the season due to the inconvenience of travelling from his home in Leigh, Greater Manchester.
He was appointed as the coach of the Kiwi Ferns in March 2017 where they competed at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and lost narrowly in the Grand Final after completing the pool games undefeated.