ANDREW Ryan will return to his role as head coach of Souths after signing a two-year deal with the Newcastle Rugby League club.
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The former NRL, NSW and Australian representative will take back the reins for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, having previously done the job in 2019 and 2020.
Ryan led the Lions to last year's grand final before joining the Knights and looking after NSW Cup, which was recently abandoned as a result of coronavirus.
Newcastle RL remains sidelined because of lockdown but hope to resume with a finals series. Souths collected the wooden spoon.
Current coach Matt Kennedy, who initially replaced Ryan at the helm in 2021, didn't reapply after the position was advertised in June.
"It will be great to welcome back Andrew's experience, enthusiasm and family values to our club," club president Terry Davies said.
"South would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of outgoing coach Matt Kennedy.
"Under some pretty unique and trying circumstances Matt was able to put a very competitive team on the paddock each week.
"The club is in a good position to springboard off the back of Matt's efforts to make a serious run at the premiership for next year."
Ben Cross (2018) and Todd Hurrell (2016) both claimed titles with the Lions.
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