Bennett rejects flop forecast for Dolphins
WAYNE Bennett has hit back at claims the Dolphins are shaping up to be NRL flops, insisting the expansion club will be competitive from day one and that he is more interested in sustained success than a short-term sugar hit.
The Dolphins have been criticised for a lacklustre start to their player recruitment drive after securing the NRL’S 17th licence in October for inclusion from the 2023 season.
After three months in the market, the only notable signings the Dolphins have made are Queensland Origin forward Felise Kaufusi, Broncos winger Jamayne Isaako and Parramatta hooker Ray Stone.
The Dolphins have tried to sign the likes of Melbourne star Brandon Smith and Gold Coast forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, but are yet to land a genuine marquee recruit.
They are still in the market for Newcastle sensation Kalyn Ponga and the fluidity of the NRL player circus means any number of big-name stars could become available over the next year.
Seven-time premiership coach Bennett, said the Dolphins wouldn’t be pressured into signing players just to fill their inaugural roster.
That means it could be a number of years before the Dolphins secure their ideal playing roster as available talent dries up for their 2023 launch.
“We won’t be rushing to sign players just to sign players,” he said. “If we have to wait 12 months for the right player then we will wait. The long-term view is what’s important to me.
“Of course we want to be competitive from the start and I’m confident that will be the case. We’ve got world-class facilities and the club is 74 years old. We’ve got under-6s through to state league.
“We’ve got extremely good people right across the organisation. Everything is successful about the joint. “If we can all just be patient and let us do our jobs, then we will get the right players. The players will want to come here at the right time.
“We’re not going to fail on the last leg of the journey with this club with all the things they’ve got already going for them.”
Bennett, 72, has experience in building clubs. He was the foundation coach of the Brisbane Broncos.
He said Covid had presented many obstacles as the Dolphins tried to assemble a roster.