Adam Reynolds has welcomed Wayne Bennett's influence at South Sydney this NRL season but that's not surprising given his admission that he likes old people.
At 69, Bennett has shown he's still got some magic left in him after firing South Sydney to a 2-0 start.
Since Bennett kicked his feet under his desk at Redfern in early December, the Rabbitohs' game plan and attacking structure has been overhauled.
One of those to thrive in Wayne's world has been ex-NSW Origin halfback Reynolds who has looked calm, composed and in control in wins over the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra.
Ahead of Sunday's clash with the winless Gold Coast at ANZ Stadium, the No.7 praised Bennett's ability to motivate and instil passion in the group.
"(Assistant coaches) Willie Peters and Jason Demetriou are doing a wonderful job with the technical side of things, Wayne just gets you wanting to play for him because he's a passionate person," Reynolds said
"He's a great role model and I can't praise him highly enough.
"It's just his morals and the way he lives his life and the standards that he lives by. You can't do anything but respect him."
Many players have spoken of the special bond they share with Bennett and the father figure he is in their lives.
But Reynolds stopped short of saying he had a paternal-like influence on him - he just gets along with old people.
"I relate better to older people than people my own age," Reynolds said.
"I'm forever hanging around RSLs, around old blokes and having yarns and whatnot. It's in my nature to be drawn to those people."
Reynolds - labelled the biggest pest in the Rabbitohs squad by halves partner Cody Walker - said he took great delight in playfully antagonising and mocking Bennett but described their relationship as healthy.
"It's great to have a bit of banter around the sheds to lighten things up," Reynolds said.
"It can get a bit serious so when you step off the field you need to have a bit of fun.
"He is always bringing sessions forward and making them early so he can get to bingo on time."
