THE return of Wayne Bennett is complete, with the mastercoach agreeing to a $4 million deal to lead the resurrection of the Broncos.

Bennett has inked a three-year contract until the end of 2017, ensuring he will return to the Broncos club he led to six titles between 1992 and 2006.

Broncos players were informed of the development at an 11am crisis meeting this morning at Red Hill headquarters.

The Broncos will announce coach Anthony Griffin’s termination - and Bennett’s acquisition - at 2.30pm today.

Bennett to get back in Broncos saddle

Hail the return of the King: Craddock

On his way out? Broncos coach Anthony Griffin, left, heads to a meeting this morning. With him are fitness expert Alex Corvo and CEO Paul White. Source: The Courier-Mail

Despite leading the Broncos to a gutsy 28-22 defeat of the Warriors last Saturday night, Griffin was called to a meeting 24 hours later and informed he would not be at Red Hill next season.

Griffin has agreed to see out the rest of the year, while CEO Paul White, a staunch ally of the deposed coach, will remain in his current role next season.

White was tipped to resign in protest at Griffin’s sacking, but has agreed to honour the three-year extension, worth $466,000 annually, he received last December.

As revealed by News Corporation on Sunday, Bennett had informed club directors he was ready to return to rebuild the Broncos empire he created.

His deal was clinched yesterday when Bennett phoned News Corp boss Lachlan Murdoch, who backed a high-level push for the mastercoach to rejoin the club.

Bennett has strong board support, with chairman Dennis Watt, Tony Joseph and club legend Darren Lockyer all rubber-stamping the 64-year-old’s return to Red Hill.

The board saw promise in Griffin but were concerned Bennett’s former assistant did not have the coaching skill-set to deliver the club’s next premiership.

The pursuit of Bennett was hatched in May, involving a number of trips to Newcastle to visit the Knights coach.

Respected board-member Joseph and Watt, the former News Limited executive who helped broker the sale of the Melbourne Storm, have had informal talks with Bennett.

Broncos legend Steve Renouf praised Griffin’s character but believes Bennett, who delivered Brisbane’s first and last titles 14 years apart, is in a league of his own.

“It’s time to bring Wayne back,” he said.

“I just think it’s timely, this team we have, the influence of someone like Wayne, he can push it to the next level.

“I like some of the footy we’ve been playing but these close games we’ve been losing, I don’t think it would be happening under Wayne and that’s the difference.

“I’m not bagging Hook, he’s a good bloke and a good coach, but Wayne can take that club to the next level.”