Ben Hornby has labelled claims Wayne Bennett is behind South Sydney's recent success as "disrespectful" as the Rabbitohs prepare to face the Dolphins.
Bennett will return to South Sydney next year after inking a three-year deal to coach the team.
The Rabbitohs have not been defeated since Bennett's signing after a horror run in the opening rounds, leading to suggestions the star Dolphins coach has already taken over the reins.
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The 74-year-old dismissed suggestions that he has shifted his priorities towards the Rabbitohs, confirming that Hornby remains in complete control of the club.
Hornby was appointed interim coach for the remainder of the 2024 season after head coach Jason Demetriou was dismissed from the role.
"I find it a little bit disrespectful," Hornby said of the claims.
"Not just to me, but everyone here that is doing a great job, the players included."
Hornby revealed he speaks regularly with Bennett, with their relationship dating back to his professional playing career under the star coach at the St George Illawarra Dragons.
"We talked regularly before I took over. We've been talking regularly for more than 10 years. Nothing has really changed there. He's concentrating on his team, I am concentrating on mine.
"I don't think it plays on their minds at all, to be honest… I don't think there's any effect at all."
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Bennett also squashed the claims when asked about his current involvement with the Rabbitohs.
"I am not doing very much at Souths at all," he said.
"I haven't been near the club. I haven't been near anybody. I have got a deal done, we did the deal and I am coaching the Dolphins. That is my priority and they have got a club to run this year.
"They have got good people in there and they have turned their season around.
"That is how it works. It can't work any other way. I can't be trying to run two clubs. That doesn't work. I have been very committed to here.
"I have done six or seven times in my career so it is not a challenge. It is easy to do.
"We have been together a long time – I think six or seven years as a coach and player – so he knows what I want. I know what Ben brings so I am more than happy with what is going on.
"I want him to make his own calls but we have similar thoughts, Ben and myself.
"It's going to be a difficult task tomorrow night."
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