ANTHONY Seibold has been confirmed the successor to Wayne Bennett as the club’s head coach from 2020.

The Broncos released a statement on Wednesday, saying Seibold will begin a four-year deal after Bennett finishes up at the end of 2019.

The club’s chairman Karl Morris — who led the selection committee along with Darren Lockyer and CEO Paul White — said Seibold was a standout among the final candidates.

“We have been through a robust process and interviewed a number of high-calibre coaches,” Morris said.

“Anthony was a stand-out. His football knowledge is exceptional, as is his thinking and process around people management.

“He also has a strong commitment that will add to the commercial and community aspects of our club, which is extremely important to the Brisbane Broncos.”

White echoed his chairman.

“We have done a thorough due diligence and as a result we have got the best person for the job in Anthony,” he added.

“Our job is to look after the long-term future of this club and that is what we have done through Anthony’s appointment.

“Anthony is one of the best young coaches in the game and having him for 2020 is a huge win for our members, players, staff, sponsors and fans.

“Planning is well and truly underway for next season and we are expecting big things from the team – it’s a season we can all look forward to.”

The Broncos are maintaining that no early swap will be made for the 2019 season, with the statement also including that the “club is looking forward to celebrating Wayne’s last season at the Broncos”.

But many in the game believe the only logical next step is to advance the trade.

Brisbane great Chris Johns said it would be “absolute idiocy” if the two coaches stayed at their respective clubs next season.

While Rabbitohs champion Bob McCarthy said both men would be itching to start their new journeys.

“If he (Bennett) stays up there next year and the coach this year at Souths is going away the year after, you don’t think they’d have their mind on the job 100 per cent,” McCarthy told AAP.

“I think it will be a good position for both to do a settlement and get Bennett down here as quick as he can.

“Seibs wants to get up there as quick as he can too so he can settle in and then Souths can get three years out of Bennett.”

The decision to select Seibold — who took South Sydney to a preliminary final in his first year as an NRL coach — has been met with plenty of protest from former Broncos greats.

As well as Johns, Glenn Lazarus and Steve Renouf have been vocal supporters of Kevin Walters.

There is also speculation that the Brisbane hierarchy’s decision to move Bennett on could result in a player exodus, with the likes of Tevita Pangai Junior, Matt Lodge and James Roberts particularly close to the super-coach.