NRL Market Watch: Wayne Bennett’s shock recruiting admission, closes in on Bronco

Wayne Bennett has made a stunning confession ahead of the 2023 season as the Dolphins coach closes in his Broncos target.

Wayne Bennett addresses the media at Kayo Stadium. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett says it is unlikely the club bolsters its spine with “anybody that we want” before the fledgling NRL franchise begins its maiden campaign next season.

Bennett stayed quiet on the Dolphins’ pursuit of Parramatta playmaker Dylan Brown for 2024 but conceded the recruiting drive for the upcoming season had not been all smooth sailing.

His former Broncos pupil Anthony Milford is expected to partner Sean O’Sullivan at the scrumbase and though the coach has praised both in the past he put the playmaking pair on notice - there will be a leash.

“No one is guaranteed a position,” Bennett said.

“Obviously we brought Sean here because we believe he can be the halfback and we brought Milford here because we believe he can be the five-eighth but they have to prove to me that they’ve learnt that and they’ve got the ability to do that job and if they haven’t, well we’ll make another decision.”

Wayne Bennett addresses the media at Kayo Stadium. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The Dolphins have five list spots still to fill and Bennett said it was unlikely the spine received a big name boost before the season starts.

“I don’t think we’ll get anybody there that we want at the moment,” he said.

“We just want quality players and that’s what we’re looking for.”

One player they are in talks with is Tesi Niu – the Broncos fullback who has fallen down the pecking order at Red Hill and was recently given the green light to look elsewhere for opportunities.

A move to the Dolphins appears on the cards however Bennett won’t be sold until the Tongan international is on the training track at Redcliffe.

“No, I’m not confident he’ll be a Dolphin in 2023 until he signs a contract,” the coach said.

“There’s a number of other players out there we’re negotiating with and talking to (as well). No, I don’t (want to name them).

Tesi Niu. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty

Top Dolphins target Dylan Brown. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

“I’m not into the politics of it all. (Niu) hasn’t signed a contract, he’s not here. We’re negotiating with him … we just have to be patient and see what happens.”

Fans turned out in droves to catch a glimpse of the Dolphins for their first open training session at Kayo Stadium on Wednesday.

Much of the squad has now reported for pre-season however a handful of players who were in action at the World Cup, including Milford, will not arrive until the New Year.

Even once he has the full squad at his disposal Bennett says he won’t know the Dolphins’ high watermark until they run out against the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium for Round 1.

“They haven’t played (a game). We could go to every club in the NRL right now and they would all be saying the same thing – it’s about how you play, so we won’t know (where we stand) until March,” he said.

Originally published as NRL Market Watch: Wayne Bennett’s shock recruiting admission, closes in on Bronco