- Bennett is no longer under contract after setting up new franchise The Dolphins
- Was in demand at Sydney clubs Souths and Parramatta
- Made a decision after the clubs’ final pitches during Magic Round
NRL supercoach Wayne Bennett has signed a three-year, $3.6 million 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 had become the most prized signing in the NRL, with both Souths and Parramatta sacking their respective coaches to free up the signing.
Bennett was reportedly provoked by Parramatta officials at Magic Round, just days before they sacked coach Brad Arthur after 11 years at the helm.
Bennett, pictured with partner Dale Cage, has rejected Parramatta’s late offer to return to South Sydney
Bennett has rejected Parramatta’s late offer to return to South Sydney in 2025
The Eels fired coach Brad Arthur on Monday but failed to replace him with Bennett
Bennett returns to Souths after head coach Jason Demetriou was sacked by the club earlier this year
That pitch made Souths officials nervous that Bennett would go back on his verbal decision to return to Redfern, but the head coach has made good on his word and signed a three-year contract to return to South Sydney until the end of 2027.
“Yes, I’m going back to Souths,” Bennett said.
‘The deal has been completed, I am happy that we have everything in order and we can now concentrate on the rest of the season.
“Parramatta has contacted me. I respected their wish to keep it confidential, but they decided to talk about it.
“I have never left anyone in any doubt that my preference was to move back to South Sydney and I am very happy that is happening.”
The Rabbitohs are expected to make a formal announcement on Tuesday.