Bennett: ‘I love those games’

Dolphins NRL Head Coach is looking forward to playing the Canberra Raiders in Wagga Wagga tomorrow afternoon and welcoming Kenny Bromwich back from suspension.

“I love those (regional) games. I really do. I love going to the bush and I love giving them an opportunity to see these wonderful players in action,” Bennett said.

Bromwich returns from a one-week suspension, with Felise Kaufusi and Connelly Lemuelu holding their spots in the back row.

Bennett said Bromwich would bring leadership and his measured personality to the field.

“We brought him here because of what he brings. He’s been really good for us. He’s going to play in the middle this week. He’s got nice silky hands and he can pass … he brings a lot,” he said.

The Dolphins will be without front rower Mark Nicholls who has had a strong start to the season but broke his thumb in last weekend’s historic 28-26 comeback victory against the Gold Coast Titans.

He had surgery on the joint this week and is likely to return in round 12 against the Storm.

“He’s been wonderful for us, but other guys will put their hands up for us. It’s only a month. We can handle a month,” Bennett said.

Kurt Donoghoe will replace Nicholls on the bench.

Bennett would not be drawn on the disappointment of missing out on securing the services of Jack Wighton, who opted to sign with South Sydney this week.

He is, however, excited to have signed former Dolphin Josh Kerr who will return to the peninsula to play in the new NRL team in 2024 on a two-year deal.

“I worked with Josh in Origin in 2020 … I’ve got a lot of time for Josh,” Bennett said.

When asked where the club goes now, having not signed any ‘big name stars’, Bennett was quick to respond.

“We’re not doing too bad for a team with no ‘big name stars’. Teams are more important than stars,” he said.

The Dolphins play Canberra Raiders this Saturday at McDonalds Park at 3pm.