Wayne Bennett has led Brisbane Broncos to six Grand Final successes in Australia

Wayne Bennett is to replace Steve McNamara as England coach, according to Sky sources.

McNamara's future has been unclear since his contract expired in the wake of a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand in the autumn.

And it is understood Bennett, the Brisbane Broncos coach who was previously in charge of Australia, will be appointed next month ahead of this year's Four Nations.

The 66-year-old is the most successful coach in Australian rugby league with seven Grand Final wins, six as Broncos boss and one with St George Illawara.

Steve McNamara is assistant coach at Sydney Roosters

His Brisbane side is due to take on Wigan in the World Club Series on February 20, live on Sky Sports.

McNamara combined the England role with his job at Sydney Roosters and remains assistant coach of the NRL side.

Mixed feelings

Sky's rugby league pundit Brian Carney believes that it would be a huge plus if Bennett was appointed, but wonders if England's coach is not a lot closer to home.

"If it is confirmed that Wayne Bennett is to be the new England coach, it gives me mixed feelings, " said Carney.

"On the one hand, you have arguably the greatest coach in the history of the game, a man committed to the international game, lending his expertise, experiences and aura to the English national team which will inspire every single player that plays for him. I would have considered it a career highlight to have been coached by Wayne.

Brian (McDermott) has been appointed coach of the USA, but I would imagine this would have been the international job he wanted and was best suited to. Brian Carney

"That should see England performances lift to the levels needed to win the Four Nations. On the other hand, I feel that Brian McDermott or Shaun Wane may have also been able to lift the English team up a notch too.

"They are successful coaches who rate in my book as leaders of men. They have what I see as important attributes for a national team coach. Brian has been appointed coach of the USA, but I would imagine this would have been the international job he wanted and was best suited to.

Shaun Wane could be the man to assist Bennett, says Carney

"Shaun Wane may be the man appointed to assist Wayne Bennett. Could Wayne be assistant to Wane in the way he helped Stephen Kearney and the Kiwis? That would be brilliant planning for the national team's future.

"Wayne is coaching royalty but might the true heir apparent to the head coaches throne be in Wigan... or Leeds?"