Demetriou joins Broncos under Bennett

Reigning NSW Cup and State Championship-winning mentor Jason Demetriou will serve as a coaching assistant at Brisbane under Wayne Bennett for the 2017 NRL season.

Considered one of the best up-and-coming coaches in the NRL, Demetriou led the Illawarra Cutters to success this year in claiming both lower-grade trophies.

The acquisition of Demetriou, announced on Thursday by the Broncos, appears to rule out a return of Queensland coach Kevin Walters to the club.

Trevor Gillmeister will also work under Bennett next year.

Demetriou, who was part of North Queensland's premiership-winning coaching staff in 2015 in their grand-final victory over the Broncos, said he was delighted to be moving to Brisbane.

"I am very excited for the opportunity the Broncos and Wayne have given me and I look forward to the years ahead," he said.

"It's a very strong club, with great leaders and a great roster, and I look forward to playing my role in that."

Demetriou enjoyed a playing career in England with Widnes and Wakefield.

He coached the Northern Pride in 2014 to Queensland Cup and State Championship success.