Wayne Bennett has ruled out returning as Queensland’s State of Origin coach next year, choosing instead to focus on leading South Sydney Rabbitohs’ bid for an NRL premiership. The seven-time premiership-winning coach, who has guided the Maroons to five series victories across three separate coaching stints, declined to commit to replacing Billy Slater after the former Queensland captain’s surprise departure from the role.

Speaking at a fundraiser for MND Queensland and former NRL player Jai Arrow on the Gold Coast, Bennett described the Origin position as the most demanding assignment in his coaching career. “State of Origin is the hardest coaching I’ve ever had to do,” he said. “The expectation is unbelievable. It really does drain you.” Bennett emphasized the emotional toll the position takes, explaining that the role impacts coaches deeply given its significance to players, fans, and the state.

Bennett acknowledged his ongoing commitment to the Rabbitohs and expressed that he wanted to dedicate his efforts wholly to South Sydney’s premiership ambitions. “I owe it to Souths. I want to do the best by them and do the best we can,” he said. While offering to mentor Slater’s successor, Bennett made it clear he did not want to resume the head coaching position for Queensland. “If Queensland need me, I’ll go back and help, but I don’t want to be the head coach.”

At 76, Bennett continues to remain active in the NRL despite the challenges the past season has presented, including a heavy injury toll among his squad and the emotional impact of Arrow’s motor neurone disease diagnosis earlier this year. The Rabbitohs returned to the finals series under Bennett’s guidance and will enter the next season with a largely stable roster, highlighted by a player exchange sending Keaon Koloamatangi to the Dragons and acquiring Payne Haas from the Broncos. Bennett’s current contract with South Sydney runs through next season.

During the fundraiser event, Bennett also revealed his role in facilitating a special milestone for Arrow, who retired in May due to his illness. After being presented with Arrow’s jersey bar runner by former player John Elias, Bennett realized Arrow was two games short of reaching 100 appearances for South Sydney, a significant benchmark in the sport. After discussions with Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly, arrangements were made for Arrow to lead the South Sydney team onto the field for his 99th club appearance against the Gold Coast Titans, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd of 22,108 at Cbus Super Stadium. Arrow is scheduled to reach his 100th appearance in the following game.

Reflecting on his career longevity, Bennett said he would know when it was time to retire based on his desire to continue coaching rather than his age. “If I don’t have the desire anymore, I’ll walk away. I don’t think about my age,” he commented. Bennett last won a premiership in 2010 with the St George Illawarra Dragons and has since reached the grand final with the Brisbane Broncos in 2015 and the Rabbitohs in 2021, both efforts falling just short of the title.