The South Sydney mentor will go against his protege Kevin Walters for the first time on Thursday night, having brought the Broncos coach through as both a player and assistant.

Bennett says he will move back to Queensland next year, ruling out any chance of taking over another Sydney club when he departs the Rabbitohs.

The veteran coach then half ruled out a return to the Broncos in any form, after his ugly split in 2018, but did insist he is still open to all offers.

Regardless it doesn't mean he won't be involved in the NRL next year.

Beyond any coaching director deals which could result in him working remotely, Bennett still has his eyes on the NRL's anticipated new franchise in Brisbane.

The NRL is expected to formalise details around the club in coming months, with Redcliffe, the Brisbane Firehawks and a joint bid between the Bombers and Western Corridor the contenders.

"I will keep an eye on everything. I have made no commitments to anyone," Bennett said.

"I got one phone call about the 17th team and they wanted to know if I was interested in coaching.

"And I said at this point in time I would be if something becomes available.

"And that's it, that's the only conversations I have had.

"But there is no doubt I am going back to (live in) Brisbane. Nothing is going to change that."

When it was put to him the return home would make 2022 his first year out of coaching in the NRL since 1986, Bennett was certain he'd still be involved.

"I may be employed in coaching still, if there is a new franchise they will be looking to sign players and have things to set up," Bennett said.

"I love what I do and I think I can make a contribution."

If Bennett did end up in charge of the 17th team, it would place him at the helm of the Broncos' biggest rival.

No other team has occupied Brisbane outside of the short-lived South Queensland Crushers during the Super League war, but the ARL outfit won just 13 of their 65 games.

Bennett's split from the Broncos was one of the most tumultuous in memory with the 71-year-old quizzed on Wednesday on if he could ever return.

"I never think about it, I've moved on. That's where it's at and that's where it can stay," Bennett said.

But almost as quickly as he slammed the door shut he slightly re-opened it, when asked for clarity on if he'd go back if asked.

"I have made no decision about what I am going to do," he said.

"I have nothing on the table, Let's see what happens."

Australian Associated Press