Bennett has been in charge at Brisbane since their inception

Former Australia coach Wayne Bennett has ended speculation linking him with a switch to St Helens by agreeing to take charge at St George Illawarra.

Bennett, who leaves Brisbane at the end of the season after more than 20 years in the job, had been tipped to replace Saints boss Daniel Anderson.

But Bennett will succeed Nathan Brown at the Dragons at the end of the year.

Anderson, who is out of contract in October, has been linked with a move back to Australia's NRL.

Meanwhile, ex-Wigan and Leeds star David Furner will become Canberra head coach in 2009.

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Furner, who returned to Australia in 2004 to become assistant coach of the Raiders, has agreed a three-year deal to replace Neil Henry.

Continuing the merry-go-round, Henry is expected to be named as North Queensland Cowboys coach, replacing former Leeds coach Graham Murray who is being tipped to return to Super League.