LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly has responded to rumors linking Wayne Bennett with the head coach position for the Papua New Guinea (PNG) rugby league team, which is set to join the competition in 2028.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) is actively seeking an experienced coach to establish the PNG franchise, particularly as the role of Kangaroos coach may also open up if Mal Meninga accepts a position with the Perth Bears.
Bennett's name has surfaced as a potential candidate for either role.
Solly firmly downplayed the speculation about Bennett's departure, emphasizing the club's desire for him to continue as head coach beyond his current contract, which expires in 2027.
He stated during an interview on 2GB, "Wayne is contracted at the moment till the end of 2027.
We would like to extend that.
So we will sit down with Wayne at some stage over the off-season and have a discussion with him about him staying." Additionally, Solly acknowledged that Peter V'landys, the ARLC Chairman, likely holds a strong interest in having Bennett lead the PNG team but asserted, "my message to Peter is we will be fighting pretty hard to keep him at Souths."
In other developments, Solly confirmed that the Rabbitohs are pushing to return to Allianz Stadium as their home ground by 2026, seeking assistance from the NRL and government for the transition from Accor Stadium.
Meanwhile, while speculation continues about Bennett, Brad Fittler has been identified as a leading candidate for the Kangaroos coaching role.
The ARLC reportedly prefers not to have a club coach serving simultaneously in a national capacity, which could lead to Meninga needing to make a choice about his future.