Wayne Bennett

But with fullback Latrell Mitchell now staring at eight weeks on the sideline, there is even more of a need for the underperforming five-eighth to stand up.

But The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent says former coach Wayne Bennett would have been the best man to help get Walker out of his current slump.

Following in the footsteps of arguably the greatest coach to ever do it is daunting at best, let a lone someone as charismatic as Bennett, who has leaves an indelible mark on his players as much off the field as on it.

Bennett grew close with his Souths players over his tenure at Redfern from 2019 to 2021 just as he has at the Raiders, Broncos, Dragons and Knights over a career spanning a record 976 games and counting.

Fortuitously for Demetriou, the rookie NRL coach who grew up in Sydney remains great mates with the seven-time premiership-winner who has coached a record 886 NRL matches.

Which is why when Bennett offered experienced South Sydney forward Mark Nicholls a two-year contract to join the Redcliffe Dolphins from 2023, the new Rabbitohs coach was more than happy to give it his blessing.

“The no poaching policy, it didn’t last too long,” Demetriou laughs.

“With any coach in Wayne’s position now it’s only natural you’re going to want players you know you can trust.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett unveiled the jersey at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, with the club still deciding on its home and away strip.

In the Queensland Cup, the Dolphins have worn of red and white jerseys, with some designs including a white V.

The Dolphins heritage jumper is also red and white - the same colours as the Dragons - and Young wants to ensure the similarities end there.

He declared the Dragons’ iconic red V design off limits as the Dolphins deliberate what jersey to wear when they enter the NRL in 2023.

After being strongly linked to the role for some time, the Dolphins unveiled Bennett at a press conference on Thursday.
“I feel very privileged actually,” Bennett said.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Bennett is set to be the innaugural coach of the NRL’s 17th license and that his Souths five-eighth for the last three seasons will be on the shopping list.

The Redcliffe Dolphins are tipped to be the NRL’s expansion team for 2023 with an announcement set to be made in the coming weeks and Bennett is all but guaranteed to be the coach.

The Dolphins who will adopt a new name to replace Redcliffe are set to be unveiled as the NRL’s 17th team to join the competition in 2023.

“It is understood Bennett is close with signing with Redcliffe, who this month will be announced as Brisbane’s second team,” Channel 7 reported.

Bennett was always going home to Queensland after this season with Jason Demetriou taking over as head coach of South Sydney.
Departing Souths coach Wayne Bennett is set to join the Redcliffe Dolphins when they are officially announced as the NRL’s Brisbane expansion team this month.

Like then, it will be his last game in charge of the club.

His inspirational leader, who is also moving onto pastures new, is under an injury cloud.

And his team, who have been accused of being the bridesmaids and never the brides, are going up against a side who have had their measure in recent meetings.

After more than 40 years in coaching, things have finally come full circle.

Sunday’s clash with Penrith will be Bennett’s 12th grand final, and 10th of the NRL era.

Slater drop-kicked the ball for himself close to the line to set up the Storm's opening try in what the NRL has since deemed to be an initial correct ruling by the on-field referee Ashley Klein.

Klein sent the ruling to the Bunker which confirmed the try. Klein then explained to Brisbane captain Darius Boyd that Slater was entitled to drop-kick the ball and didn't have to necessarily kick for the posts.

NRL referees boss Bernie Sutton explained why the correct ruling was made (see video below).

Bird was instrumental in the Brisbane Broncos' 27-18 win over the Warriors – ending the home side's streak of five straight wins.

His shift from centre into the halves came late this week when Kodi Nikorima was ruled out with a leg injury on Friday.

The NSW representative was strong on defence throughout and layed on a crucial try for Jaydn Su'A late in the second half.

Coach Wayne Bennett was at his mumbling best post-match and was careful not to heap the praise on Bird, but acknowledged his half's performance was a "steady" one – and overall a pass mark.