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Wayne Bennett has confirmed he has signed a three-year deal at South Sydney and will return to the club next years.
Bennett's announcement came after Parramatta, who sacked coach Brad Arthur on Monday, confirmed that they had been in talks with the 74-year-old since May 1 about taking charge of the Eels.
"We wanted Wayne Bennett, it's as simple as that," Eels chairman Sean McElduff said.
"We spent the best part of three weeks trying to convince him to come.
"Ultimately, he made it clear to us that he had unfinished business at the Rabbitohs and that was the direction he was heading.
"He was interested, we put our proposition to him and he was genuinely interested but I think he felt strongly with his connection to the Rabbitohs."
The Eels' comments came after Dolphins coach Bennett told AAP on Tuesday morning he had unfinished business at the club he coached to two preliminary finals and a grand final from 2019-2021.
"I am going back to Souths for three years," Bennett said.
"I like the people there and I like the club and what it stands for.
"I know a number of the players. There is some good talent there and we can do something.
"I just want to get back there and I like that part of Sydney as well. It is easy to live there."
When asked if he had unfinished business, he said there "was in a way".
He will take over a club currently in last place on the NRL ladder.
Bennett has always stated that success starts in the front office and he has a close relationship with chief executive Blake Solly and chairman Nick Pappas.
"I have a good rapport with everybody there," he said.
"I had a great three years there and I am looking forward to going back."
The Rabbitohs will confirm Bennett's return officially on Tuesday.
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AAP