sport news How Wayne Bennett is already helping Souths turn it around despite not signing ... trends now
Wayne Bennett's presence is already being felt at South Sydney as interim coach Ben Hornby reveals plans to consult with the master mentor ahead of his likely return in 2025.
Before Thursday's 42-12 loss to Penrith, Hornby joked with broadcast media that Bennett was trying to take his job before he'd even made his first-grade coaching debut, such has been Souths' eagerness to bring the 74-year-old back to the club.
Current Dolphins coach and seven-time NRL premiership winner Bennett led the Rabbitohs to their last grand final appearance in 2021, the culmination of a successful three-year stint in charge.
He was identified by Souths chief executive Blake Solly as the Rabbitohs' ideal coaching candidate the morning after the Rabbitohs fired Jason Demetriou, with Bennett confirming his interest in the job on Wednesday.
Bennett (pictured with Jason Demetriou at Souths training in 2020) hasn't signed on to replace his former assistant - but many experts believe he's certain to return to Redfern
Interim Bunnies coach Ben Hornby (pictured left with captain Cameron Murray after Thursday night's big loss to Penrith) first worked with Bennett in 2009
If Souths have their way, Bennett will have inked a deal for 2025 by the end of the month.
But Bennett is already making his influence known at the Pride of the League as Hornby plans to take pointers from the coach for the remainder of the season.
Bennett and Hornby have a long history of collaboration; Bennett appointed Hornby to the St George Illawarra captaincy before his first of three seasons in charge and the duo went on to win what remains the joint venture's only premiership a
