Wayne Bennett’s reign to end in 2021 as South Sydney confirm succession plan

The Rabbitohs will reportedly part ways with master coach Wayne Bennett next year, with a succession plan locked in place.

Wayne Bennett will finish up at the Rabbitohs after 2021.

Wayne Bennett has two seasons to bring South Sydney a title, with the Rabbitohs set to announce a succession plan for 2022.

The Sydney Morning Herald revealed next season will be Bennett’s last at Redfern with current assistant Jason Demetriou to take over the reins the following year.

Demetriou has reportedly agreed to a new four-year deal to succeed Bennett, after serving as an assistant to the master coach at both the Broncos and the Rabbitohs.

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Demetriou’s deal will take effect immediately and involves him being Bennett’s assistant for the first two years, before taking the top job for 2022 and 2023.

South Sydney also have an option to extend the deal into the 2024 season in their favour.

Bennett will be nearly 72 by the time his deal ends and has given his blessing to the succession plan, with 2021 likely to be his swansong as a NRL head coach.

Bennett is the all-time leader in NRL games coached with a staggering 840 to date, including a record 521 wins and seven premierships.

Demetriou was part of the Cowboys coaching staff that beat Bennett in the 2015 grand final, before linking up with the veteran coach at Brisbane via one season at the Dragons.

The 44-year-old followed Bennett to Sydney after the messy coach swap involving current Brisbane mentor Anthony Seibold at the end of the 2018 season.

Bennett’s future is not certain, with a head of football role at Souths a possibility, although he could opt to return to Queensland to be closer to family.

Jason Demetriou and Wayne Bennett during their time at the Broncos.

Should Brisbane get a second team he would be the ideal inaugural coach if he opted to continue his illustrious head coaching career.

South Sydney will take on the Eels in a trial match at Ringrose Oval on Friday February 21 at 7.00pm.

Originally published as Wayne Bennett’s reign to end in 2021 as South Sydney confirm succession plan