Wayne Bennett's brutal spray for Dolphins despite 3-0 start to NRL season
Not content with a perfect 3-0 start to the NRL season, Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is pushing for more.
The Dolphins have defied all NRL expectations to get off to a clean 3-0 start in their debut season - not that Wayne Bennett is cheering about it. In typical fashion, the veteran head coach is unwilling to let his charges enjoy their early success, determined to instil a constant demand for excellent.
Bennett is well-known for his somewhat unconventional approach to the game, and his approach with the Dolphins appears no different. They've been the surprise packet of the NRL competition after missing out on several key recruiting targets and having entered the season with the lowest of expectations as an expansion side.
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Instead, the Dolphins have accounted for the Roosters, Raiders and Knights in as many weeks, leaving them atop the NRL ladder after three rounds. But with a massive Queensland derby against the Brisbane Broncos coming this weekend, Bennett is determined for his team not to give a single inch in the inaugural matchup between the two teams.
It was revealed this week by Dolphins prop Jarrod Wallace that Bennett hadn't been taking it easy on account of the club's strong start. In actuality, the NRL veteran said Bennett had already delivered a handful of trademark sprays during review sessions.
“We’re right in the position that we knew we could be if we just turned up and stuck to the processes,” Wallace told Triple M. “To be honest we haven’t done anything yet.
"We’ve won three games out of 27 rounds. Wayne’s been very good that he’s been keeping everyone very grounded.
“Just because we’ve won a few games he hasn’t taken it easy on us, trust me. There’s been a few sprays in the video sessions on a Monday. ”
Wayne Bennett blown away by reality of Brisbane NRL derby
At his pre-game press conference at the stadium on Thursday, the 73-year-old said the first clash between the teams - both undefeated - means "a great deal" to him personally and to the wider game. That he could be back coaching another Brisbane team against the Broncos less than five years after his sacking seemed a script too unlikely to be written.
"You are probably right," Bennett grinned when that was put to him.Did he imagine it in his wildest dreams? "No," the coach answered wryly. "I don't dream much."
Bennett has previously spoken of his hope that the Brisbane NRL derby can be like a Manchester United v Manchester City rivalry, with everything that goes with it. One difference in his situation is that United's legendary manager Alex Ferguson never coached Manchester City.
"He didn't...no. He didn't get the sack from Manchester United either," Bennett chuckled. The coach said his sacking was not motivating him ahead of the sold-out derby clash.
"No it doesn't, but I am really pleased for the game. I think it is a magnificent promotion by the NRL to put the Dolphins in," he said. "To be here in week four and have the whole state and probably the whole country engage in this game, from that point of view it is outstanding.
"It has captured the public's imagination. It will certainly be the biggest crowd that will be here for a club game that I can remember."
With AAP
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