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South Sydney caretaker coach Jason Demetriou says he would've "bitten my hands off" to land the North Queensland job if it was available a year ago.

Jason Demetriou admits he would've sacrificed a limb to take the reins of NRL club North Queensland.

But after being given a taste of life as a head coach with South Sydney over the past fortnight - where he remains undefeated - he's content with biding his time at the Rabbitohs.

Two clutch kicks from star Adam Reynolds delivered South Sydney a thrilling 31-30 over the Cowboys on Saturday night, making it a perfect two-from-two under the stand-in coach.

But Demetriou will hand the clipboard back to Wayne Bennett on Thursday, when the supercoach completes his 14-day isolation after his COVID-19 breach.

Bennett will return to a side that has entrenched itself inside the top eight with three straight wins before they face Manly on Saturday.

Demetriou has been appointed to take over from Bennett in 2022.

"In 18 months' time that's going to be my role, so to get a little taste of it early's been outstanding and I've been privileged to be able to do that," Demetriou said after Souths' win over the Cowboys.

"Fortunately the boys have responded well.

"I give a back wrap to the other staff as well, Ben Hornby and Sam Burgess and John Sutton and Joe O'Callaghan, our high performance staff have all done a good job pitching in.

"It's been a real team effort from the staff to cover Wayne's absence but I'm excited to have Wayne back next week as well."

Demetriou began his coaching career in the country's north, winning consecutive Queensland Cup premierships with the Northern Pride.

He was also on the coaching staff of the Cowboys' famous premiership triumph in 2015.

But instead of applying to replace the departed Paul Green, Demetriou remains focused on taking over from Bennett in a season-and-a-half.

"Twelve months ago I would've bitten my hands off and put my hand straight up," Demetriou said of the North Queensland coach job.

"But I'm really happy at Souths. I feel like I've found a home there. The club's committed to me and I'm committed to them.

"We've got some great, young players coming through as well and it's a place I'm excited to be at.

"I can't wait for the future."