‘Don’t try and predict the future’: Wayne Bennett coy on his future as Rabbitohs rumours linger

Wayne Bennett was in fine form on Thursday when the master coach was asked about possibly returning to the Rabbitohs in 2025.

Wayne Bennett has been linked with a move back to the Rabbitohs as pressure continues to mount on South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou. Picture: NRL Photos

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has warned people “don’t try and predict the future” as rumours continue to swirl that he is in the box seat to replace Jason Demetriou at South Sydney next year.

The veteran coach will naturally be linked to any vacancy that pops up given he’s off-contract at the end of the season and clearly has a desire to keep working given he wanted to take the Kiwis job that eventually went to Stacey Jones.

Demetriou’s future remains up in the air, with strong suggestions he will be let go after Saturday’s match against Cronulla.

Reports are that South Sydney will then bring in Immortal Mal Meninga as caretaker coach, with Bennett to return to the Rabbitohs after he spent three seasons with them and took them to the 2021 grand final.

Bennett and Demetriou have a long history working together, with the latter replacing him in 2022 as part of the club’s succession plan.

Wayne Bennett and Jason Demetriou worked together at the Rabbitohs. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I have no idea what is going on at Souths, other than what I hear,” he said on Thursday ahead of the game against Brisbane.

“I know Jason is a good coach and something has gone amiss. That is their problem and they will have to sort it out.

“The coach takes all of the responsibility and the club takes none. That is the tragedy of all this stuff.

“That is the job we take on. We know that is our life and we also know it can go pear shaped very quickly and that is what has happened there.”

The 74-year-old has also been linked with a move to the Eels, although Brad Arthur’s future does appear settled despite their poor start to the season.

Kristian Woolf will replace Bennett at the Dolphins in 2025, with the master coach’s future set to dominate the headlines whether he likes it or not.

Bennett was able to bring the best out of players like Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“I am here until the end of the season and I have made no decisions about going anywhere or doing anything so we will wait and see,” he said.

“Everyone is having an opinion on it. My opinion is the one that matters but I’m not sharing it with anyone, so keep guessing, guys.

“Don’t try and predict the future. That’s the only tip I’m giving you.

“I’ll see what I want to do and what’s happening in my life. I could still be here next year. Who knows?”

Meanwhile, Bennett confirmed that former Broncos prop Tom Flegler (shoulder) would not be fit to face Brisbane in Friday’s derby.

Originally published as ‘Don’t try and predict the future’: Wayne Bennett coy on his future as Rabbitohs rumours linger