NRL coach

Fortuitously for Demetriou, the rookie NRL coach who grew up in Sydney remains great mates with the seven-time premiership-winner who has coached a record 886 NRL matches.

Which is why when Bennett offered experienced South Sydney forward Mark Nicholls a two-year contract to join the Redcliffe Dolphins from 2023, the new Rabbitohs coach was more than happy to give it his blessing.

“The no poaching policy, it didn’t last too long,” Demetriou laughs.

“With any coach in Wayne’s position now it’s only natural you’re going to want players you know you can trust.

Daley is the fourth high-profile coach to meet with New Zealand officials after David Kidwell was axed in February following last year's World Cup quarter- finals exit.

Daley confirmed on Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast he flew to New Zealand to discuss his own future this week after he was axed as NSW State of Origin mentor last year.

"I did go across to NZ and speak to them about the NZ coaching position," Daley said.

"It was an informal discussion, just where I'm at and where they are at.