Wayne Bennett has refused to hide the fact that bad blood still lingers between him and Brisbane management as one of the NRL's greatest coaching circuses finally hits the main stage.
The South Sydney mentor will come up against the Broncos and Anthony Seibold, the man who replaced him after his highly publicised sacking, during Thursday's highly-anticipated clash between the two super clubs.
Bennett, ever the master manipulator of the media, has been happy for all the attention, and reams of newspaper column inches, to be focused on him and not his players this week.
The 69-year-old was effusive in his praise of the Broncos playing squad, and in particular Darius Boyd who will play his 300th first-grade match, and the club's fans.
However, tellingly, when he was asked about Broncos CEO Paul White and the club board, there was a noticeable change in his mood.
He did crack a wry smile when quizzed on being sacked for the first time in his 33-year first-grade coaching career.
"Well it was the only thing in my career that was missing," Bennett said.
"Deep down I was happy. I'd achieved everything else.
"I got another job the next day and got on with life."
But pushed on his relationship with White, it was clear their 35-year relationship had broken down.
Bennett said he had no intention to shake White's hand post-match and confirmed he had not spoken to him since he was informed via a text message that his contract had been terminated with one year remaining.
"That's not for discussion today," Bennett deadpanned when asked about Broncos management.
The saga began in September when the Broncos refused Bennett's request for a contract extension into 2020.
The club signed Seibold, who was at the time in his first season at Souths.
After months of back-and-forth, Bennett was sacked in December and the two clubs undertook an immediate coaching swap.
Seibold was happy to heap niceties on his predecessor however Bennett did not return the favour, refusing to comment on the 2018 Dally M coach of the year.
Seibold spent four years in the Broncos lower grades from 1992-95 while Bennett was in charge.
"I don't think I was a mentor of his," Bennett said.
"I didn't see a lot of him, he didn't play in the first-grade squad."
Meanwhile, centre Kyle Turner and prop George Burgess will take their place in South's side despite sitting out Wednesday's captain's run.
The Broncos have confirmed 18-year-old halfback Tom Dearden will make his debut in place of wantaway No.7 Kodi Nikorima.
STATS THAT MATTER
* Bennett has his worst win percentage against the Broncos (23.1 per cent, three from 13 games) compared to any of the 27 clubs he has coached against.
* The Rabbitohs will be aiming to start the season with seven wins or more through their opening eight games for just the second time since 1989.
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