Wayne Bennett denies Rabbitohs return is a done deal, second meeting set between coach and club

Wayne Bennett has rejected suggestions that any Rabbitohs reunion is locked in, warning those who say it is to just look at what happened between David Fifita and the Roosters. Exclusive details here.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 15: Rabbitohs head coach Wayne Bennett looks on during a South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL training session at Redfern Oval on March 15, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Wayne Bennett is on the verge of quitting the Dolphins with the super coach to meet with Souths bosses this Monday in the hope of formalising a three-year deal to return to Redfern.

Bennett’s status as a free agent could be over when he meets with Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly 24 hours after the Dolphins’ clash with the Wests Tigers on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.

Breaking his silence on his future, Bennett stressed he has not signed a formal contract with South Sydney, but confirmed his interest in a Redfern resurrection pending a positive meeting with Rabbitohs chiefs.

The off-contract 74-year-old held talks with the Rabbitohs on Monday and a second meeting next week will determine whether he shakes hands on a three-year deal worth up to $3 million to coach Souths in 2025.

“As it stands, I haven’t agreed to terms. I haven’t signed anything,” Bennett said.

“I have met with Souths, we had some preliminary talks and we agreed to come back next Monday after Magic Round is over and finalise it.

Wayne Bennett says he is yet to agree terms with the Rabbitohs. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“One way or the other, we will finalise things after this weekend.

“Either I will be going to Souths _ or I won’t be going.”

Asked if he had agreed terms to coach Souths until the end of 2027, Bennett said: “Right now, I haven’t agreed on anything.

“There’s been no handshakes. I haven’t signed any paperwork. I haven’t committed to any contract.

“There’s still things to be discussed.

“Look at what happened with David Fifita (Titans forward). People said he was done at the Roosters, but he is not going to the Roosters is he?

“South Sydney are up here for Magic Round so they will stay back a day or two and we’ll meet again.

“I’m not going anywhere until I sign a contract.”

Wayne Bennett was South Sydney coach from 2019 to 2021.

Bennett’s return to the Rabbitohs, however, appears a fait accompli.

South Sydney have identified the seven-time premiership coach as their preferred candidate and if the terms are palatable, Bennett has no interest in a protracted negotiating process.

The Rabbitohs are prepared to pay Bennett around $1 million a season. The Dolphins are keen to keep Bennett at Redcliffe in a development role, but the master mentor is keen to coach on and has fond memories of his initial three-year stint at Souths, taking the club to the 2021 grand final.

Wayne Bennett will meet with the Rabbitohs after Magic Round. Picture: NRL

“Look, I would like to get something done, but I want to see what state the club is in and get some information about them before I finalise any contract,” he said.

“I won’t be wasting anyone’s time, I’m interested in the job, no doubt about that.

“I don’t have a club next year and we need to get on with our lives here. The Dolphins need to know what I’m doing, I recognise that and Souths are after a coach, but it’s only been a few weeks since Jason Demetriou left.”

Bennett has also been linked with the Eels, but he said: “I know nothing about Parramatta, I haven’t heard from them.”

South Sydney boss Solly hopes to secure Bennett’s signature in the next seven days.

“There’s no deal done at this stage,” Solly said.

“I am meeting Wayne this week and our preference is to sign Wayne, but nothing further has happened.”