- Bennett is out of contract after creating new franchise, the Dolphins
- He was in demand in Sydney’s Souths and Parramatta clubs.
- He has made a decision after the last launches of the clubs during the Magic Round
NRL super coach Wayne Bennett has signed a three-year deal to return to South Sydney as head coach despite an 11th-hour pitch from Parramatta to secure his services.
The Dolphins mentor is out of contract and has become the most prized signing in the NRL, with Souths and Parramatta sacking their respective coaches to clear the way for his signing.
Bennett was reportedly courted by Parramatta officials during the Magic Round just days before coach Brad Arthur was sacked after 11 years at the helm.
Bennett rejected Parramatta’s latest offer to return to South Sydney in 2025.
The Eels sacked coach Brad Arthur on Monday but have been unable to replace him with Bennett.
Bennett returns to Souths after the club sacked head coach Jason Demetriou earlier in the year.
That pitch made South officials nervous that Bennett would backflip on his verbal decision to return to Redfern, but the master trainer kept his word and signed a three-year contract to return to South Sydney until the end of 2027.
“Yeah, I’m going back to Souths,” Bennett said.
“The deal is done, I’m happy we’ve sorted things out and can now focus on the rest of the season.
‘Parramatta contacted me. I respected their wish to keep it confidential, but they made the decision to talk about it.
“I never left anyone in any doubt that my preference was to return to South Sydney and I am very pleased that is happening.”
The Rabbitohs are expected to make a formal announcement on Tuesday.
