Wayne Bennett explains why Cameron Murray experiment is over

The stats didn’t lie and Wayne Bennett has finally admitted defeat on yet another positional switch. The super coach explains why he’s gone back to the drawing board with star forward Cam Murray.

Cameron Murray during South Sydney Rabbitohs training ahead of their first game of the season against the Sharks. Picture. Phil Hillyard

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South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has relented and switched Cameron Murray back to the middle to shore up his side’s defence against a rampaging Melbourne Storm.

Bennett is also set to unleash Mascot Jets junior Keaon Koloamatangi in a bid to combat Craig Bellamy’s big men at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Murray has been used the left edge in opening rounds after the rising forward enjoyed a breakout year in 2019 at lock - and earned a NSW Blues call-up.

The move raised eyebrows and was even questioned by club great Sam Burgess after the Rabbitohs slumped to a 28-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters in round three.

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Murray has yet to replicate his form from last season. Digital image by Grant Trouville/NRL Photos.

Even former Brisbane forward Corey Parker, who played 10 seasons under Bennett at Red Hill, called the move a ‘kick in the teeth’ to the other forwards in the side.

On Thursday Bennett conceded that Murray would be switched back into the lock position as it was the ‘best thing for the team’.

“He’ll play in the middle this week. I think at the moment it’s the best thing for us as a team. He handles the edge well but we need what he brings in the middle there at the moment. The middles haven’t been bad, they have been competent. He adds a little bit to us there and we need that right now,” Bennett said.

Murray announced himself as one of the best locks in the world last year. Picture by Phil Hillyard.

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Murray was named on the left edge again on Tuesday but his return to the middle will see Queensland Maroons forward Ethan Lowe promoted from the bench into the starting side to take Murray’s place.

It means also Liam Knight, who was named in the No.13 jumper, will drop to the bench.

Koloamatangi, 22, who is affectionately known as ‘Big Mac Daddy’ is also in line to make his NRL debut.

Murray will be no stranger to Koloamatangi’s game - the 106kg prop, who stands at 191 centimetres, has played in the same team as Murray since they were seven years old.

“He’s a Souths junior and I didn’t realise he and Cam Murray have played together since they were seven years old,” Bennett said.

“His journey has been a bit more difficult than Cam’s. He had a few weight problems and a few attitude problems but he’s been really good since I have been here in the last 12-18 months.

“He’s got himself in good shape and he’s got some good skills and he’s a good player. But for him it’s just the start of his journey and it will be a long time before we see the best of him.”

James Roberts isn’t ready to return for the Rabbitohs just yet. Picture: AAP

Bennett also confirmed centre James Roberts won’t take the field in Friday night’s clash against Melbourne.

There was talk Roberts would make a return even though he was named outside of the 17 on Tuesday.

Bennett said Roberts looked ‘good’ at training but match fitness remained the biggest reason why he would not play at AAMI Park.

“He’s looking good but he’s not playing. Looking good and being fitter doesn’t necessarily go together, although it’s a fair indication. He just needs more time in his legs and more running than he has done in the last two months. He’ll certainly play next week,” Bennett said.

Roberts returned to training one week before the season restarted after taking time off from the field to deal with personal issues.

Originally published as Wayne Bennett explains why Cameron Murray experiment is over