South Sydney tables three-year, $2.5 million-plus deal to Wayne Bennett
Bennett has not engaged a manager for negotiations. He is dealing directly with Souths officials, boosting confidence that a deal will be expedited and rubber-stamped within weeks.
It is understood Bennett’s current contract at the Dolphins, which expires this season, is worth in excess of $800,000-a-season.
The Rabbitohs are willing to match his Dolphins deal to ensure Bennett is not short-changed at a time when the NRL’s greatest coach has also been linked with Parramatta, whose long-serving mentor Brad Arthur is under mounting pressure to perform.
The Dolphins have not given up hope of retaining Bennett, discussing a multi-faceted role that would see him usurp Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould as the most powerful club official in rugby league.
Bennett has privately told trusted associates there are some NRL clubs he would coach and some that don’t hold appeal.
The 74-year-old has no history with the Eels but it is understood the club was recently sounded out by a third party about their interest in entering the race to sign Bennett.
However, Parramatta chiefs are committed to Arthur and want to give him every chance to succeed before they consider heading in another direction.
They reinforced their stance at a board meeting this week after it emerged that Souths had approached Bennett about returning to their club.
If Parramatta wanted a shot at Bennett, they had to act. However, they made the decision to hold their ground and back Arthur to turn the club around.