South Sydney Rabbitohs appoint Wayne Bennett as new head coach

South Sydney Rabbitohs have appointed Wayne Bennett as the club’s new head coach for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The current England coach is regarded as one of the best of all time, having coached over 800 first-grade games in the NRL and NSWRL competitions since 1987, winning over 500 of them.

Bennett has won seven Premierships at two different clubs and has guided international teams to Test and World Cup success.

On his new role with the Rabbitohs, Bennett said: “I’m truly humbled by the opportunity to coach the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

“Souths is one of the iconic clubs in the game. I didn’t think I would get this opportunity, but that opportunity has now come for 2020 and 2021.

“I’m really grateful for the chance to be part of the club and I’m looking forward to being part of The Rabbitoh Way.

“I’ve always respected South Sydney and its 30,000 members. I’m really looking forward to being part of the Rabbitohs family, and I can assure the members that I will do my very best for the club.”

Current Brisbane Broncos boss Bennett will replace Anthony Seibold as head coach of the Rabbitohs from 2020, while former South Wales Scorpions boss Seibold is set to go the other way.

Souths’ appointment of Bennett has now ended speculation linking Dave Furner with the head coaching role, who will still be Leeds Rhinos chief next year.