Far from pondering retirement, Wayne Bennett is poised to re-sign with Brisbane for another two NRL seasons.
Broncos CEO Paul White is personally brokering the extension reportedly worth $1.8 million that will keep Bennett at the club until the end of 2019.
"It is imminent," White said of an announcement on Wednesday.
Bennett had been expected to contemplate retirement at the end of his current deal in 2017.
But White said at 66 Bennett was showing no sign of slowing down.
White contemplated contract extension talks after Bennett guided Brisbane to the 2015 grand final upon his return from seven years coaching elsewhere.
He was convinced Bennett was in for the long haul after the seven-time premiership-winning mentor was handed the England reins until 2017 in February.
"People ask me about the England job. That shows me his zest for coaching and his ability to continue to seek out professional development," White said.
"I think that is a great thing that he has the desire to still challenge himself."
A new deal would put Bennett on track to become the first person to coach 800 NRL games.
Friday night's grand final re-match with premiers North Queensland will mark game No.739 for him.
White said Bennett had helped settle nerves ahead of the much hyped game at a sold out Suncorp Stadium.
"He's very important, he gives us a great sense of stability," White said.
"He has lived and learned a lot throughout his coaching career.
"All of those experiences make him a robust coach and person handling the highs and lows of sport.
"There is the benefit of a high profile coach and what that gives you commercially but I think more than anything else it is the sense of quiet confidence he brings."
