Souths’ signing ‘a coup’

SOUTH Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe has claimed the Rabbitohs’ historic decision to appoint Brisbane legend Wayne Bennett as coach was “unanimous”.

Bennett signed a two-year deal at Redfern from 2020 with Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold defecting to the Brisbane Broncos.

Seibold rejected a contract extension and Crowe said his club then immediately targeted Bennett.

“Appointing Wayne Bennett was a unanimous decision by the board, the administration and the football staff,” Crowe said.

“We have our business in hand at South Sydney.”

South general manager of football, Shane Richardson, yesterday rejected suggestions his club and Brisbane may attempt to reach a coaching swap for next season – not 2020.

Bennett remains determined to fulfil the final year of his deal with the Broncos.

Seibold will return this week from a professional development trip to the UK.

Souths players are understood to be hurt and frustrated Seibold has announced he will leave after just one season.

Seibold will be fully challenged next season to keep his playing roster united and focused.

There are no plans for South to axe Seibold for next season after his defection to Brisbane.

“We have a good relationship,” Richardson said. “All our plans and staff are in place.”

South Sydney great Craig Coleman has described luring Bennett (pictured) to Redfern as a “coup”.

“I think it’s a fantastic coup for the Rabbitohs,” said Coleman, who played 216 games for Souths. “Age is only a number and Bennett knows the formula to winning big games.

“He has that aura about him. He’s like Gus Gould, Jack Gibson and Craig Bellamy. They have that aura about them. Wayne is no different.

“We were one game off a grand final this year and who knows, Bennett might take them the extra step.

“Bennett is one of the biggest names in the game, isn’t he?

“I think he will be a great asset to the South Sydney footy club – on and off the field. To get him to Souths shows the club has come a long way.”

Bennett is currently coaching England in a three-Test series against New Zealand, the Poms winning game one 18-16 in Hull.

Souths will be Bennett’s fifth club following two stints at Brisbane and a spell at Canberra, St George Illawarra and Newcastle.

Bennett will officially start at Souths in mid-November.