Bennett Alters Team Strategy Ahead of Brisbane Clash
The Dolphins’ NRL team will see the return of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, just in time for their crucial match against the Broncos, marking a significant moment in the club’s history. Marshall-King, who was a standout performer before a foot injury sidelined him in round 17, rejoining the team comes as a significant boost for the Dolphins as they face a must-win “Battle for Brisbane” tomorrow at 5:30 PM to keep their season alive.
Head Coach Wayne Bennett has made notable adjustments to his lineup for this high-stakes game at Suncorp Stadium. Trai Fuller, a fan favorite known for his consistent performance, will step in as fullback, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who has played in the centres during the 2024 State of Origin series, will be repositioned to this role.
In the halves, Isaiya Katoa will move to the bench, making way for Sean O’Sullivan and Jake Averillo to take on the playmaking responsibilities. Captain Jesse Bromwich will miss the final home game of the season and his last match at Suncorp before retiring, following concussion protocols. Kodi Nikorima will also be absent due to the same issue.
However, there is some positive news for the team as Max Plath, Ray Stone, and Tevita Pangai Junior are expected to start despite earlier concerns about their fitness due to minor injuries.
Bennett has expressed the need for these changes to maximize his team’s chances against the Broncos, who are also fighting to secure a spot in the finals. He remarked on Katoa’s recent struggles, noting the young halfback’s fatigue from the pressures of the NRL season.
Bennett pointed out, “I think he (Katoa) has been up for too long. He’s young, and the pressures of the game and training are significant. Little things in his game have just fallen away. It’s his second year, and once he plays 50-60 games, he’ll be fine.”
Regarding Fuller, Bennett emphasized his enthusiasm for the player’s return to fullback, stating, “I love his energy. Everyone on the team wants Trai to play with them. We initially tried to utilize him off the bench, but that didn’t work because fullback is his specialist position.”
Bennett admitted that playing Fuller off the bench against Penrith was a mistake and affirmed that moving Tabuai-Fidow to the centres is a strategic decision aimed at giving the team the best chance in this crucial match. He acknowledged that while Fuller’s preferred position is fullback, the team’s needs come first.
Bennett underscored the necessity of adapting strategies to improve performance, stating, “You can’t keep doing the same things and expecting different results. We’ve been pretty loyal to our approach, but now we need to adjust to give ourselves the best chance.”
Bennett emphasized that his focus is on ensuring the team performs well and executes their strategies effectively. He believes that if the team plays up to their potential, they can compete with any side. He noted that aside from a disappointing performance last week, the team has generally shown strong performance throughout the season.
**Avoiding Personal Grudges**
Bennett also addressed the importance of focusing on the team’s development rather than personal vendettas. Despite the personal history with the Broncos, Bennett maintains that the team’s success is not about defeating his former club but about building a strong foundation for the Dolphins.
“We’re focused on how we develop this club and establish a process that aligns with the great clubs like Penrith and Melbourne,” Bennett explained. “It’s about having the right people and the right systems in place. Winning tomorrow is less important than developing the club into a consistent competitor.”
He highlighted that the Dolphins’ progress is not solely measured by winning grand finals. “Winning a grand final is a challenging feat with odds around 30 percent,” he noted. “What’s important is the progress we’ve made and the positive steps we’re taking. We’re in the finals conversation and in just our second year, which is a significant achievement.”
Bennett’s approach emphasizes patience and continuous improvement, focusing on long-term success rather than immediate victories.
