Wayne Bennett dismissed the notion that Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King would feel any added incentive facing his brother Benji Marshall, who is coaching the Wests Tigers on Saturday night.
Marshall-King has been a standout performer for the Dolphins since the club’s establishment. Despite expressing admiration for his older brother, Bennett emphasized that Marshall-King would approach the game against the Tigers with a professional mindset.
“He’s not competing directly against his brother, who is overseeing the match from the coaching box. It’s unlikely to affect his performance,” Bennett stated.
“Marshall-King is an exceptional player. I thoroughly enjoy coaching him. He brings a positive energy to the team and handles his role without any hassle or drama.
“He’s incredibly competent, and it’s remarkable how effortlessly we acquired him. He contributes a lot, and his presence is invaluable.”
The upcoming game also marks prop Thomas Flegler’s 100th NRL match. Flegler, who joined the Dolphins from Brisbane during the off-season, has displayed commendable aggression on the field without crossing the disciplinary line, a contrast to his earlier years when he faced frequent suspensions.
Reaching 100 NRL games is a significant milestone for Flegler, who expressed his satisfaction with his improved discipline over the years and hopes to continue his positive trajectory.
“I’m thrilled to reach this milestone in my NRL career,” Flegler remarked. “Hopefully, there are many more games ahead, but this is a big achievement for me.
“I’ve worked hard on my discipline in recent years, and I aim to maintain that going forward.”
Coach Bennett is also optimistic about the performance of 20-year-old half Isaiya Katoa, who has shown promise in recent victories over St George Illawarra and Gold Coast.
When questioned about Katoa’s development, Bennett responded with his characteristic wit, saying, “That’s a good question if I’m liking him. The verdict is still out on that one,” Bennett grinned. “Let’s see if he can keep up his good form for three games.”
Reflecting on the upcoming clash with Wests Tigers, whom he coached during his tenure at the Broncos and South Sydney, Bennett expressed admiration for both the team and Benji Marshall.
“Wests Tigers is a fantastic club,” Bennett acknowledged. “They’ve been a part of the competition for a long time, under different names, and emerged victorious after the Super League era.
“I always root for the success of all clubs. Every team experiences highs and lows, and I’m pleased to see Wests Tigers, and Marshall, enjoying success with their recent wins.”
