Bennett: ‘We’ll need to be patient’

Dolphins NRL Head Coach Wayne Bennett reveals his message to the squad ahead of their must-win game against the Bulldogs in Bundaberg tomorrow (kick off 3pm).

The Bulldogs have found good form at the right end of the season, sitting at fifth on the ladder. The Dolphins are eighth and in the hunt for their maiden finals berth, in just their second year in the NRL.

“We’ll need to be patient. If we’re losing a lot of ball, and not completing sets, that will play into their hands,” Bennett says.

“If you get in good field position, don’t get disappointed if you don’t get a try ... just stay at it ... they’ll come. They’re defending well, the Bulldogs ... (with) a lot of effort in their game, so we’ve just got to be prepared to produce the same effort and be patient.”

Bennett has named the same team as last week, with the exception of Mark Nicholls who is out due to concussion protocols.

Lachlan Hubner, 24, has been named on the interchange bench and Benett spoke to him individually during this morning’s training session on a number of occasions.

The squad is in good spirits following their 34-32 golden point win over the Warriors last weekend, after narrow loses in the previous three rounds.

“They’re in a pretty good mood here this morning, in pretty good shape ... I think it gives them a bit of confidence, that’s what it does do,” Bennett says.

Isaako’s on a roll

The Dolphins’ Jamayne Isaako remains the NRL’s leading points scorer with 10 tries and 78 goals, including 29 goals in a row.

“Don’t tell him please. He doesn’t need that on his mind when he’s kicking,” Bennett says.

“It’s a really important part of the game and as important as it’s ever been because of the closeness of the teams.

“He’s got a good routine, he’s consistent with it. It’s a credit to him.”

Many will be watching Tevita Pangai Junior, when he faces the club he left at the end of the 2023 season to pursue a boxing career.

He signed with the Dolphins in June, as the club looked to add firepower to their depleted forward pack.

“I don’t even talk to him about that (playing the Bulldogs). He’ll handle that. He’s a big dude, he doesn’t need any help,” Bennett says.

“I’ve been pleased with him. He started late in the season, all that type of stuff, but I think he’s settled in really well. The boys like playing with him, he’s been very disciplined. I’m sure he’ll be that tomorrow as well.

“He’s got nothing to prove to Canterbury or anybody else. There shouldn’t be any reason he doesn’t get out and do his best again tomorrow.”

‘I’m really proud of Kodi’

Bennett is also expecting a strong performance from five-eighth Kodi Nikorima who has just signed a two-year extension with the Dolphins and will celebrate 200 NRL appearances tomorrow.

“I’m really proud of Kodi. I gave him his first opportunity to play in the NRL at the Broncos in 2015. He’s been a great story,” Bennett says.

“I’ve always had a lot of time for him, always loved what he brings. When the club was starting here, I wanted him to come here. He was at South Sydney at the time, I wasn’t sure if we’d get him or not, but we worked pretty hard to get him.

“He’s a little guy, he’s remarkable, he’s averaged 20 games a year. It’s been a great career for him.”

His renewed commitment to the Dolphins means the club’s spine is locked in.

“I’m happy to see that. I don’t want the club to dismantle what we’ve done pretty well here, and they won’t do that. That’s all been part of the plan and there are good decision makers here,” Bennett says.