Dolphins reveal Bennett’s support team

The Dolphins will not be short of experience when they begin their first NRL campaign in November after announcing an impressive football performance staff today.

Skilled practitioners from a wide range of NRL clubs and other sports have been recruited to provide the know-how to build a successful team for the 2023 season.

Current Canberra Raiders’ Head of Performance Jeremy Hickmans will renew a successful partnership with Dolphins’ NRL coach Wayne Bennett to lead the club’s Performance Department.

Hickmans worked with Bennett in two stints at the Broncos, was Head of Performance when the Dragons won the 2010 NRL Grand Final, and also spent time at the Newcastle Knights.

He has also held senior positions with Swimming Australia, Netball Queensland and the English Rugby League.

Hickmans will be assisted in the performance area by Blake Duncan, who has worked alongside him at both the Raiders and Broncos, and Elliot Jackson, who is currently at the Dragons.

Current Australian Kangaroos’ physiotherapist Sam Madden, who is at the Titans and has worked at both the Sharks and Eels, will be the Dolphins’ Head Physiotherapist.

He will be aided by Adam Schumacher, who will move to the NRL after several years with Tennis Australia.

John Davey, who is currently working at the Sharks, will manage sports science and performance analysis.

Dolphins’ NRL Chief Executive Terry Reader says the club is ecstatic with the group of professionals they have assembled for the football program.

“We have worked really hard on a piecing together a world-class staff to ensure the Dolphins are at the cutting edge of performance in our first season in the NRL,” Reader says.

“The Dolphins have already signed the most successful grand final coach in history in Wayne Bennett and this staff will be great support for him.

“We have recruited a group that possesses the skills, expertise and experience to give our playing roster every chance to enjoy a successful debut season in the NRL.”

The Dolphins’ staff will assemble in time for the 2023 pre-season to begin in early November.

DOLPHINS PERFORMANCE STAFF

• Jeremy Hickmans – Head of Performance

• Blake Duncan – Athletic Performance Coach

• Elliot Jackson – Athletic Performance Coach

• Sam Madden – Head Physiotherapist

• Adam Schumacher – Physiotherapist

• John Davey – Head of Sports Science and Performance Analysis