News Wayne Bennett signs with Souths 2020-2021

beastwood89

Kennel Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 20, 2013
Messages
1,806
Reaction score
2,958
https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/10/25...s-he-is-prime-contender-for-brisbane-broncos/

After believing they had secured Wayne Bennett's services seven years ago only for him to join Newcastle, South Sydney have finally got their man.

The Rabbitohs scored a stunning coup on Thursday by announcing the signing of Bennett on a two-year deal from 2020 just hours after Anthony Seibold advised the club that he wanted to continue to pursue interest in the Brisbane job.

The Broncos board is due to make a decision next Tuesday on Bennett's replacement for the 2020 season, with Seibold now almost certain to be appointed after being one the four candidates interviewed in the past two weeks. Kevin Walters, Michael Maguire and Jason Demetriou were the other contenders.

Maguire's name is now scratched from that list after he agreed to terms to become the new Wests Tigers coach on Thursday night, a move which opens the door for Ivan Cleary to leave Concord and return as coach of the Penrith Panthers. The afternoon's rapid-fire coaching changes were as stunning as they were significant.

Bennett had previously been on the cusp of coaching the Rabbitohs in 2012 but chose to take up an 11th-hour offer to join Newcastle after Nathan Tinkler purchased control of the club.

The Rabbitohs signed Maguire from Wigan instead and he guided the club to the 2014 premiership but was sacked at the end of last season and replaced by Seibold.

The appointment of Bennett means the game's greatest coach will now have charge of the NRL's oldest and most successful club.

Rabbitohs general manager of football Shane Richardson was thrilled to land Bennett’s signature.

"Wayne is one of the best, if the not the best, rugby league coaches of all time and we are excited to see what he can bring to our club," Richardson said.

"His football record is second to none and his reputation as a leader is also of the highest order.

"Here he will have the opportunity to work with some of the best senior and up-and-coming talent in the game, which from our discussions over the past few weeks I know he is excited about.

"He will also have the opportunity to work as a head coach with a strong coaching, football and administration staff around him that are all pushing in the one direction, The Rabbitoh Way.

"Anthony has done a great job at our club over the past two years however his hesitance to extend his contract with us, an offer which has been on the table since June, led the club to explore other options."

Richardson said Souths were "looking forward to Wayne becoming a Rabbitoh in 12 months' time".

Bennett said he was "truly humbled by the opportunity".

"Souths is one of the iconic clubs in the game. I didn't think I would get this opportunity, but that opportunity has now come for 2020 and 2021.

"I'm really grateful for the chance."

Bennett is contracted to Brisbane for another season and has repeatedly insisted he would see out the final year of his deal.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

GoTheDoggies

Kennel Immortal
Joined
Mar 23, 2014
Messages
19,842
Reaction score
18,635
Add Darius Boyd to that backline and they will have the washed up QLD backline
 
  • Like
Reactions: K E

DublinDogg

Kennel Participant
Joined
Sep 9, 2017
Messages
372
Reaction score
468
I wonder if he will be able to bring all his little bum chums with him
 
Top