Brisbane Broncos and former Australian rugby league coach Wayne Bennett has reportedly ended his 42-year marriage.

Bennett, 66, moved out of the Brisbane apartment he shared with wife Trish about six weeks ago.

It’s understood the split happened after Bennett fell in love with 50-year-old secretary Dale Tynan, who he met while coaching the Newcastle Knights between 2012 and 2014.

“As an NRL head coach and thereby a public figure, I today inform you about a personal matter and the fact I have separated from my wife and the family home some time ago,” Bennett said, according to a statement cited by the Courier-Mail.

Johnathan Thurston helped end the finals run of Bennett’s Broncos. Photo: Getty

“I will continue to appear publicly in my role at the Brisbane Broncos but at the same time ask that you respect my personal privacy and that of my family.”

The seven-time premiership winning mentor had three children with his wife.

Bennett’s Brisbane bowed out of the NRL title race on Friday night.

The Broncos were ousted 26-20 in extra-time by defending champion North Queensland in Townsville in their sudden death NRL semi-final clash.