Wayne Bennett has confirmed his interest in the vacant Australian coaching role.

The rugby league master coach, whose last tenure as Australian mentor ended when he lost the 2005 Tri-Nations, told News Corp Australia he wanted another another chance at the top job.

“I am interested in the Australian job,” Bennett said.

“I don’t know what the process is but I would like to do it again.

“I enjoyed my last stint with the national team and yes, I want to do it again.”

Bennett, who endured the heartache of seeing his Brisbane team lose the 2015 grand final in golden point, also cast aside suggestions the national role should be a full-time position, maintaining the view he could juggle the role alongside his post at the Broncos.

“I’ll tell you what the Australian team needs – they need the best coach, whoever that is,” he said.

Bennett’s view is at odds with those of his most likely rival for the position, Mal Meninga, who has admitted he would more than likely step down from his position as Queensland Origin coach to accept the Australian job.

“To be honest, I don’t know why someone like Wayne would want the Test job. He has plenty of commitments with the Broncos,” Meninga said.

Former Manly mentor Geoff Toovey has also reportedly shown interest in the role, with the ARLC likely to make their final decision by Christmas.