St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett is expected to miss Friday night's NRL clash with Parramatta after his mother died.

Patricia Bennett, 81, passed away in Brisbane's Wesley Hospital early on Friday after losing a battle with cancer.

Bennett took leave from the premiers earlier this week to be at his mother's bedside.

It's believed Bennett's assistant Steve Price will take charge of the team for Friday night's match at Parramatta Stadium.

Price, who succeeds Newcastle-bound Bennett as head coach next season, has previously taken over the reins when the Dragons beat Wigan in the World Club Challenge in England in February.

Bennett had returned home on that occasion when his mother-in-law died.

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