‘Competition for spots’: Saturday’s trial could decide key positions for the Dolphins in round one

While most clubs have settled on their halves for round one, mystery surrounds who will partner Sean O’Sullivan at the Dolphins when the new season kicks off.

Isaiya Katoa is fighting for a starting spot at the Dolphins in round one. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

There were times last year when the Dolphins were scrambling to find fit players to play in key positions, but things feel a lot different this season with halfback Sean O’Sullivan declaring spots are still up for grabs just a few weeks out from round one.

While O’Sullivan is tipped to start the year in the No.7 jersey, it’s still unclear as to who will partner him with young gun Isaiya Katoa battling it out with veterans Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford to play five-eighth.

It’s a good headache to have for Wayne Bennett, with the Dolphins’ depth looking a lot stronger in 2024, with Saturday’s game against the Warriors in Auckland a good chance for the halves to impress the master coach.

Saturday’s trial will help decide key positions for the Dolphins. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I don’t think any person has their head in front for any position,” O’Sullivan said, having missed a large chunk of the 2023 season with a pec tear.

“We’ve got training this week and we’ve got another game on Saturday against the Warriors.

“Every single person – whether you’re playing halves or you’re a centre or in the front row – there’s competition for spots all throughout our team.

“Everyone will be looking to put their best foot forward and look to train and prepare well for a good game on Saturday.

“Every single day determines who’s going to be in that round one team, no matter what position you’re in.”

The Rabbitohs will have to get used to a slightly smaller field in Las Vegas. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs are confident they can handle the smaller dimensions at Allegiant Stadium when they face the Sea Eagles in Las Vegas next week.

Souths have spent time training on a slightly narrower field to get used to the conditions which are roughly six metres shorter and five metres narrower than a standard NRL field.

“We spent a week training on it, just to get a feel for it,” Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou said at Sydney Airport before his side flew out.

“We got some understanding of it, but the initial feeling was that the players didn’t really feel it but when I went back and watched training it’s pretty obvious the dimensions do make a difference.

“It’s definitely going to be more defence orientated and the weather I think could play a part as well, the cooler conditions.

“I’m excited we get a full two weeks to prep for that and we’ve had a week here as well.”

The Rabbitohs are quietly confident that five-eighth Cody Walker will overcome a calf strain to play in the historic overseas match, while fullback Latrell Mitchell is in no doubt despite picking up a minor knock to the knee in the All Stars game.