Bennett plays down coaching record

Photo: Wayne Bennett and Justin Hodges chat after the 2012 match between the Indigenous All Stars and the NRL All Stars (Getty Images)

Wayne Bennett has celebrated a coaching record with a loss in the NRL.

Supercoach Bennett typically played down his latest milestone on Saturday when he set a new record for the most number of first-grade rugby league games coached with 670.

Bennett eclipsed former Penrith, Canberra, North Queensland and Wests Tigers clipboard holder Tim Sheens as his Newcastle side lost 14-8 to St George Illawarra at Hunter Stadium.

The ever laconic seven-time premiership winner, who has previously coached Brisbane and the Dragons to title wins, wasn't interested in celebrating the record after the game.

"It doesn't mean a great deal to me personally," he said.

"I never coached for me for it has always been for the team and we have suffered a tough defeat here tonight so for me it doesn't mean a great deal.

"I'm sure it will later in my life.

"The game isn't about milestones. Being part of a team is what it is all about.

"The milestones can come later."

The loss was the Knights' second at home this year and leaves them with a 6-7 record and in danger of slipping out of the eight by the end of round 13.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have moved back into the top eight, courtesy of a come-from-behind 36-26 victory over the Cowboys in Townsville.

AAP