Bennett takes Rabbitohs job, leaving Broncos

SOUTH Sydney have appointed England boss Wayne Bennett as their head coach on a two-year deal from 2020.

Bennett, who turns 69 on January 1, is currently preparing England for a three-match Test series with New Zealand which starts in Hull tomorrow, but point blank refused to discuss his own situation in his two press conferences so far.

Overnight, the Rabbitohs sprang a surprise by announcing the capture of Bennett, who will see out the remaining year of his contract with Brisbane in

2019 before making the move to Sydney.

Bennett, who is contracted for another 12 months with England, 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.”

The latest twist in the NRL coaching merry-go-round, which could see New Zealand head coach Michael Maguire join Wests Tigers – puts an end to speculation over the future of Leeds’ newly-appointed head coach Dave Furner.

Reports in Australia suggested Souths were set to turn to their former assistant as successor to Seibold, but Furner will arrive in England on November 5 to take up a three-year deal.