Wayne Bennett is eager to quickly conclude his next coaching appointment as he prepares to intensify negotiations for a return home to South Sydney.
The 74-year-old Dolphins coach confirmed on Friday that he would speak in more detail with the Rabbitohs about replacing sacked coach Jason Demetriou after his team’s away clash against North Queensland on Saturday.
In the past, Bennett has been courted by several clubs when he was out of contract. That is not the case at the moment, as Souths is the only current vacancy in 2025 for a head coach.
While he said he was “in no hurry,” he doesn’t want his future as a coach to be a distraction for his players in their quest for the finals.
“I told the players what was happening because I knew that not talking doesn’t work,” he said.
“Everyone comes from other clubs here, so everyone understands. I want to get it out of the way as quickly as I can so we can all move on and there are no distractions.”
“We’ll see where it goes. It could happen tomorrow. I just have to make sure I’m comfortable with what I’m doing and that (the Souths) are comfortable with me. We need to talk.”
Bennett’s wish aligns with that of Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly, who said this week he hoped to name the next coach “in weeks, not months”.
Bennett has reportedly approached via a third to Parramatta, where head coach Brad Arthur is under pressure after a disappointing start to the season.
“I don’t know anything about Parramatta. I don’t know where that comes from,” Bennett said.
Bennett said his desire to continue coaching in the NRL was still strong.
“If I didn’t think I had something to offer… I wouldn’t do it. That’s not the case for me,” he said.
“I would rather do something and contribute. I care enormously about the game and its people. If I can go and help a club and make it better, that’s what motivates me and drives me.”
“(Training) gives me something to do. I don’t want to sit at home and twirl my thumbs and be bored to death.”
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AAP