The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Queensland Rugby League have agreed to Wayne Bennett taking on an informal role with the Maroons for the 2027 State of Origin series.

Bennett, who is a former coach of Queensland, will take on a non-contracted role as an adviser to new coach Darius Boyd on team selections, tactics and strategies, according to Code Sports.

It comes as Bennett’s Rabbitohs side were stunned by an understrength Knights side on Friday night, 20-10, as they crashed out of the NRL finals.

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It is another disappointing season for Bennett, who, despite being the most experienced coach in the NRL, has failed to deliver an NRL premiership for more than 15 years.

And while his focus will be on trying to change that at Redfern next year, the 76-year-old will also act as an ear for Boyd and a veteran voice to lean on in the Origin arena.

Boyd was recently appointed as Billy Slater’s successor, after the Maroons great stepped away after five years at the helm, where he won three series but lost two home deciders.

Bennett backed Boyd for the job after Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Kevin Walters made themselves unavailable, and he will now lend a helping hand to Boyd in 2027.

Boyd scored 17 tries for the Maroons in 28 appearances and has had coaching success with the Queensland under-19s side the past two seasons.

“It’s a privileged position and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Boyd said after he was announced as the next Maroons coach last month.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with the role as well. My job is to build on the legacy created by the many great Queensland players and coaches who have come before us.”

Boyd played 337 NRL games for the Broncos, Dragons and Knights, won two premierships and nine Origin series with Queensland.

“Darius has lived and breathed what it means to represent Queensland,” QRL chairman Brian Canavan said.

“His playing achievements speak for themselves, but what has impressed us just as much is the work he has done since retirement to develop as a coach and leader.

“He has built strong relationships throughout our pathways system, earned the respect of players and staff, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping young people reach their potential.

“Darius understands the responsibility that comes with the Maroons jersey. He knows our culture, our history and the standards required to succeed at the highest level.”

Originally published as Wayne Bennett agrees to Queensland Maroons role for 2027 season