“I just want to get back there and I like that part of Sydney as well. It is easy to live there.”
When asked if he had unfinished business he said there “was in a way”.
He will take over a club that is currently in last place on the NRL ladder.
Bennett has always stated that success starts in the front office and he has a close relationship with CEO Blake Solly and chairman Nick Pappas.
“I have a good rapport with everybody there,” he said.
“I had a great three years there and I am looking forward to going back.”
The Rabbitohs confirmed Bennett’s return with a press statement.
RABBITOHS STATEMENT
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The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to be welcoming back Wayne Bennett as the Club’s Head Coach for the next three seasons from 2025 onwards.
Bennett is regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, having coached over 900 games with NRL Clubs and over 1100 first grade and representative games since the 1970s, claiming seven premierships with the Broncos and Dragons, as well Grand Final appearances with the Rabbitohs and Raiders. He also won a
premiership with Brisbane Souths in 1985 and six State of Origin series with Queensland, most recently in 2020.
Bennett has also had enormous success at the international level, coaching Australia, England and Great Britain at various times throughout his coaching career.
Bennett was the Rabbitohs’ Head Coach between 2019 and 2021, taking the Club to preliminary final appearances in the first two years and the Grand Final in his final season in charge of South Sydney.
Bennett’s on-field success is complemented by his ability to assist players and staff off-the-field, renowned as one of Australian sports’ great people-managers.
Rabbitohs Chairman, Nicholas Pappas AM, said: “On behalf of the Board of the Rabbitohs we look forward to
welcoming Wayne back to the Club, and to finishing off what we got so close to achieving in 2021.”
The Rabbitohs wish Coach Bennett the best of luck for the remainder of the 2024 season. Out of respect for him and his current club, the Dolphins, the Rabbitohs won’t make any further comment until he completes his duties with the Dolphins and resumes coaching at South Sydney.
