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ETCHED in the memories of the legions of South Sydney fans is this image of club legend Clive Churchill being chaired off the SCG after coaching the Rabbitohs to their last premiership in 1971.
And, according to Churchill's widow Joyce, there is only one man who can break Souths' long title drought - Wayne Bennett.
Yesterday, she appealed to Bennett: "Be the first coach since my Clive to coach Souths to a premiership." Bennett is expected to announce today or tomorrow whether he will take up the challenge of coaching foundation club Souths or the Newcastle Knights.
Bennett, the man many consider to be the game's greatest coach, has been attracted to the romance of coaching South Sydney - long known as The Pride of the League - to their first premiership since Churchill inspired the Rabbitohs to their fourth title in five years in 1971.
But there is also the lure of Nathan Tinkler's $950 million empire at Newcastle.
Although most believe Bennett will sign with the Knights, there were plenty of well-placed sources last night believing Bennett will, in fact, join Souths.
Joyce Churchill knows exactly where she would like Bennett to coach.
"Wayne would be the only person that could do it for Souths," Joyce said.
"If he took over Souths, I am sure he could be the first coach since Clive to win the competition.
"He is not the type of person to rush into a decision but I am sure the heritage, name and past history of Souths would be attractive to him. That's the type of person he is.
"I don't think Wayne would rush to a club just for the money. I know the Souths players would look up to Wayne, just as they looked up to Clive.
"And I'm sure he would prefer to coach a team like Souths where he could lift them up to a premiership.
"It would be wonderful if he coaches Souths. It would be a big challenge for Wayne."
Those close to Bennett claim he isn't motivated by Tinkler's money but is by the prospect of coaching a famous club like Souths, which has a strong link to the indigenous community.
The Daily Telegraph understands Bennett is yet to formally tell anyone from either club of his decision.
As speculation surrounding Bennett's imminent decision reached fever pitch yesterday, Tinkler and Souths co-owner Russell Crowe declined to respond to media inquiries.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...or-wayne-bennett/story-e6frexnr-1226037493758
And, according to Churchill's widow Joyce, there is only one man who can break Souths' long title drought - Wayne Bennett.
Yesterday, she appealed to Bennett: "Be the first coach since my Clive to coach Souths to a premiership." Bennett is expected to announce today or tomorrow whether he will take up the challenge of coaching foundation club Souths or the Newcastle Knights.
Bennett, the man many consider to be the game's greatest coach, has been attracted to the romance of coaching South Sydney - long known as The Pride of the League - to their first premiership since Churchill inspired the Rabbitohs to their fourth title in five years in 1971.
But there is also the lure of Nathan Tinkler's $950 million empire at Newcastle.
Although most believe Bennett will sign with the Knights, there were plenty of well-placed sources last night believing Bennett will, in fact, join Souths.
Joyce Churchill knows exactly where she would like Bennett to coach.
"Wayne would be the only person that could do it for Souths," Joyce said.
"If he took over Souths, I am sure he could be the first coach since Clive to win the competition.
"He is not the type of person to rush into a decision but I am sure the heritage, name and past history of Souths would be attractive to him. That's the type of person he is.
"I don't think Wayne would rush to a club just for the money. I know the Souths players would look up to Wayne, just as they looked up to Clive.
"And I'm sure he would prefer to coach a team like Souths where he could lift them up to a premiership.
"It would be wonderful if he coaches Souths. It would be a big challenge for Wayne."
Those close to Bennett claim he isn't motivated by Tinkler's money but is by the prospect of coaching a famous club like Souths, which has a strong link to the indigenous community.
The Daily Telegraph understands Bennett is yet to formally tell anyone from either club of his decision.
As speculation surrounding Bennett's imminent decision reached fever pitch yesterday, Tinkler and Souths co-owner Russell Crowe declined to respond to media inquiries.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...or-wayne-bennett/story-e6frexnr-1226037493758
