Incoming South Sydney coach Shaun McRae is looking forward to turning the Rabbitohs into a premiership force - but called on the NRL club's supporters to remain patient.

Souths chief executive Shane Richardson confirmed McRae, currently coaching Hull in the English Super League, would take up a two-year contract at Redfern from next season.

Current caretaker Arthur Kitinas will act as his assistant.

"I know they have had to be patient in the past," McRae told AAP from Hull.

"I trust, with us all working together, that their patience will be worthwhile.

"They have to believe everybody will give 100 per cent to the cause."

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"It's a great challenge but I think it's every coach's dream to coach in the NRL."

McRae's colourful coaching career has taken him from Canberra to the north of England, including stints at St Helens and Gateshead and international experience with Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Scotland.

"The first thing about it is you don't last for nine years in the English game without having some ability as a coach because it's pretty cut-throat over there," said Richardson.

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