Former fly-half Bennett is revered in Llanelli for his exploits with the town’s team and says Wayne Pivac’s men can compete for Guinness PRO14 glory again this term.
The Scarlets were beaten by Leinster in both the PRO14 final and at the last four stage of the European Champions Cup in the 2017-18 campaign.
The season to come will be Pivac’s last in charge before he succeeds Warren Gatland as Wales head coach and Bennett is looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.
“I think the Scarlets will want to improve on last season. Everybody’s aim is to beat Leinster. I was in Dublin for the two matches they lost to them,” Bennett said.
“I must admit they are a magnificent side. Leinster have got the players they’ve wanted in and they’ve made Johnny Sexton captain which will make them even harder to beat.
“The Scarlets did beat them a couple of seasons ago, but it will be harder for them this year because all the other teams now know full well the style they play and the freedom they play with.
“They will be closed down I’m sure. They won’t be given the space. If Rhys Patchell or Steffan Evans look to run with the ball this year, I’m sure they’re going to be smashed early on.”
Bennett’s exploits with Llanelli, Wales and the Lions saw him become a household figure in the 1970’s and mean he knows a thing or two about succeeding at the highest level.
“The Scarlets have got so much talent there and Wayne is a very shrewd man,” he said.
“He’s signed a few South Africans, a New Zealander, and a Scottish scrum-half because he knows 14 or 15 of his players will be lost to the international teams during the autumn internationals and the Six Nations.
“That is when Championships are won, that is when you end up topping your group and securing your place in Europe.
“I think it’s going to be a very good season, the talent is still there, and to get Jonathan Davies back is just amazing. To lose him for a whole season was huge.
“He was man of the series with the Lions, he’s a wonderful player, and to have him back is a big boost.”
