The newest Wayne Bennett derby kicks off tonight at 7.50pm AEST as his current team, the Dolphins, face the South Sydney Rabbitohs – the side he will take charge of next year.
But Bennett has been at the centre of plenty of drama this week amid allegations he’s been effectively helping to coach the Bunnies, something both he and Rabbitohs interim coach Ben Hornby have flatly denied.
Since the announcement that respected veteran coach Bennett would take over the Redfern club in 2025, the Rabbitohs have gone 5-0. The Dolphins, meanwhile, have lost four from their last five, but are hoping the bye last weekend will offer a much-needed chance to reset.
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TEAM NEWS
Both sides are missing key figures due to Origin duties: Dolphins duo Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi are in Queensland camp, while Rabbitohs captain Cam Murray will again suit up for the Blues.
South Sydney are also without star fullback Latrell Mitchell (foot), while the Phins are missing hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (foot) and back-up rake Kurt Donoghoe with suspension.
Max Plath starts at hooker in their absences, while Sean O’Sullivan is on the bench and set to make his first appearance since back in Round 7.
Meanwhile, teen gun Liam Le Blanc is set to make just his second NRL appearance after being named on the bench for the Rabbitohs, while Michael Chee Kam will replace Murray in the starting side.
Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O’Sullivan
Reserves: 18. Oryn Keeley 21. Mason Teague
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Le Blanc
Reserves: 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Fletcher Myers
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Source Agencies
