South Sydney mentor Michael Maguire has moved to significantly bolster his coaching staff after a disappointing defence of their NRL premiership this year.
The Rabbitohs were bundled out of the 2015 premiership race by Cronulla in their elimination final, winning just one of their last six games.
Fingers were pointed at Maguire's intense approach to training for burning his players out, while the 2014 premiership winning coach was also linked to a move to Newcastle ahead of the 2016 season.
However Maguire has pledged his future to Redfern and has drafted in former Manly assistant David Penna as a new assistant coach alongside 2015 assistants Kurt Wrigley and Wayne Collins.
Penna was moved aside as part of the coaching overhaul at Brookvale and the former NRL playmaker will double as Souths Under-20s coach.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Recently retired Rabbitohs forwards Ben Lowe and Scott Geddes have also joined Maguire's coaching staff in a part-time capacity.
"We're excited about a new start in 2016, using what we've learned over the past few seasons and building that into the 2016 season which is just around the corner," Maguire said.
"Dave has been part of a successful club's coaching set up for a decade and his experience at Manly will bring new ideas and help build the support around our playing group.
"Dave was keen to continue his association with rugby league now having finished up at Manly, and he will be responsible for helping develop the next wave of players coming through our club at the Under-20s level, as well as assisting with the NRL squad's preparations."
