BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — The 74-year-old Wayne Bennett has ended speculation about his coaching future beyond the 2024 season with NRL newcomer Dolphins by signing a three-year deal to return to South Sydney.

Bennett is one of the most successful coaches in rugby league and in sports in general in Australia.

He has had success with six National Rugby League clubs, winning seven premierships and overseeing more than 900 games. He guided Queensland to State-of-Origin series success and also coached Australia, New Zealand and England at international level.

Bennett said he had unfinished business at South Sydney, where he guided the team to a grand final and two other playoff series between 2019-2021.

“I am going back to Souths for three years,” Bennett told Australian Associated Press on Tuesday. “I like the people there and I like the club and what it stands for.