Bennett urges Dolphins to do it for Artie
WAYNE Bennett has appealed for the Dolphins to honour the legacy of Arthur Beetson by beating the Roosters in their NRL debut.
The NRL released its 2023 premiership draw on Thursday, confirming Queensland’s newest club the Dolphins will launch their maiden campaign with a Brisbane blockbuster against the Roosters.
The teams will play for the inaugural Arthur Beetson Cup in front of an expected 50,000 crowd at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, March 5.
The late Beetson was a significant figure in the history of the Redcliffe Dolphins and Eastern Suburbs Roosters, playing for and coaching both clubs before his death in 2011, aged 66.
Coach Bennett said the Dolphins could uphold Beetson’s legacy by kicking off their NRL existence with a win against the powerhouse Roosters.
“I’m looking forward to the Roosters game in round 1,” he said. “It will mean a lot to honour the legacy of Artie Beetson. He did a lot for both clubs so I can’t think of a better way to start the season.
“We’d love to honour Artie by winning that first game.”
The Dolphins received a mostly favourable draw for their first season in the top grade and will play home games at Suncorp, Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium, Sunshine Coast Stadium and Perth’s Optus Stadium (Knights in round 23).
They will kick off their season against the Roosters (Suncorp), Raiders (Redcliffe) and Knights (away) before the first Battle of Brisbane against the Broncos in round 4.
They don’t have a bye until after their Magic Round clash against the Sharks in round 10 – which is technically an away game despite being played at Suncorp – and play the Bulldogs at Bundaberg (round 22) in another away game.
Two byes fall either side of the State of Origin period with a historic Gabba blockbuster against the Broncos to be played on July 1 (round 18).
Bennett said the Gabba derby against the Broncos club he coached for 25 years would be a must-watch event.
“The Broncos at the Gabba, it will be a historic night for the game,” he said.