Wayne Bennett is thrilled to be joining South Sydney "with a free mind" after Sunday's final confirmation of his NRL coaching swap with Anthony Seibold.
Hours after Brisbane announced they'd sacked Bennett a year before his contract was due to expire, the Rabbitohs ushered in the game's most-experienced coach for 2019.
In doing so, Souths agreed to a request for a release from Seibold to join the Broncos on another dramatic day for the code.
Bennett had already signed a deal to join Souths in 2020 on a two-year deal, which has been extended to a three-year agreement starting next season.
"I'm really pleased it's all resolved and that I can join this great club with a free mind, knowing I did the right thing by the fans, staff and players," Bennett said.
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"I'm really looking forward to being at South Sydney and working with the players, staff, board and all of the members.
"It's a wonderful club, South Sydney, and I feel privileged to have the chance to coach this team."
Souths football manager Shane Richardson was also chuffed to have Bennett on board for the coming season.
"Wayne is ready to go for 2019 and we're ready for him to start his tenure with us," Richardson said.
"Everyone is really excited about the season ahead and we're sure it will be a great year for our members and supporters.
"We thank Anthony for his efforts over the past two years and we wish him, his wife Hollie and his three daughters Isabella, Ava and Sienna the best for the future."
The Broncos said the terms of Bennett's termination were confidential.
While Bennett has officially been sacked, it appears the wily 68-year-old has pulled off a high-stakes game of nerve to possibly win a full payout from a club where he had won six titles during two coaching stints totalling 25 seasons.
Bennett had defied Broncos bosses and public opinion for weeks, taking his standoff to the brink to achieve what might be what he had always aimed for - being sacked and gaining lucrative financial compensation.
"I made it easy for them last time. I'm not doing it this time," he said in August.
Bennett left the Broncos in 2009, winning a premiership with St George Illawarra the following season, before returning to Red Hill in 2015 after three seasons also with Newcastle.
