Wayne Bennett gives young Broncos prop Joe Ofahengaue a reality check
WAYNE Bennett delivered a reality check to young forward Joe Ofahengaue, who he accused of getting “a bit ahead of himself” in the Broncos pecking order last year.
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WAYNE Bennett delivered a Queensland Cup reality check to young forward Joe Ofahengaue, who he accused of getting “a bit ahead of himself” in the Broncos pecking order last year.
Ofahengaue makes his return to first grade tonight, with the promising prop to come off the bench against the Rabbitohs in Sydney.
He has not played in the NRL since July last year, after being exiled to Brisbane feeder club Souths Logan by Bennett.
After starring as a regular first grader for most of 2015 and the start of 2016, the news came as a shock to Ofahengaue at the time.
“Joe probably got a bit ahead of himself and he had to go back and appreciate what playing NRL really means,” Bennett said yesterday.
“It wasn’t an attitude thing. They just get opportunities and get a bit ahead of themselves and think they’ve really made it. They haven’t really made it.
“You’ve never really made it. Every week you have to prove to yourself that you’re up for the game, regardless of whether you’ve played one game or 100 games or 200 games.”
Bennett said, however, that he felt the 21-year-old had learnt his lesson and had shown this through his form for the Magpies.
Ofahengaue’s inclusion for injured forward Tevita Pangai Jnr is not the only change Bennett has been forced to make this week.
Winger Jordan Kahu was unable to finish training yesterday with a groin issue, with David Mead to take his spot outside James Roberts tonight.
Fellow outside back Jonus Pearson will come on to the bench to take Mead’s place.
Kahu is expected to recover in time for Thursday’s home clash against the Panthers.
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