Brisbane’s Wayne Bennett and Souths’ Anthony Seibold swap clubs

Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett and Souths Sydney Rabbitohs boss Anthony Seibold will swap clubs ahead of 2019.

The Broncos terminated the contract with Bennett on Sunday, and announced Seibold as his replacement with immediate effect.

Bennett, who is also head coach of the England national side, will join the Rabbitohs on what will now be a three-year contract.

On linking up with Souths, Bennett said: “I’m really pleased it’s all resolved and that I can join this great club with a free mind, knowing I did the right thing by the fans, staff and players.

“I’m really looking forward to being at South Sydney and working with the players, staff, board and all of the members.

“It’s a wonderful club, South Sydney, and I feel privileged to have the chance to coach this team.”

Seibold had agreed to take over at the Broncos on a four-year deal in 2020, but will now immediately make the move ahead of the 2019 NRL season.

Brisbane’s chief executive Paul White commented: “It’s a very tough decision, one we never saw coming.

“We no longer had faith that we could give ourselves the best chance of performing if we continued on the path we were continuing on.

“Players need clarity and consistency. We couldn’t afford to go through another week of what we went through last week, let alone for the rest of pre-season.”