Bennett’s sly play to make Dragons young gun a Dolphin

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has reportedly seized an opportunity to reach out to a Dragons rising star days after he was dropped.

Wayne Bennett and Junior Amone

The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield has revealed super coach Wayne Bennett has reached out to Dragons young gun Junior Amone regarding a potential Dolphins switch.

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin made a huge change to his side two rounds ago, swapping genuine prospects Tyrell Sloan and Junior Amone out for experienced players Jack Bird and Moses Mbye.

Amone’s situation in recent weeks has prompted the legendary coach to pounce as he attempts to fill his roster for the 2023 season.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

“I do know Wayne Bennett has reached out in the last week to Junior Amone, he is after a halfback, he is after a five-eighth,” Rothfield said on NRL 360.

“I am sure he is not the only young half that Wayne is looking at.”

Griffin decided to drop the pair after what he deemed poor performances, revealing his decision came down to development.

After the Dragons defeat against the Rabbitohs, Griffin said that fullback Tyrell Sloan will return “when the time is right”.

Buzz Rothfield explained that Sloan ”was not okay” with being dropped from the first grade side, but The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent fired back.

“They shouldn’t be okay with it, but get over it, that is was rugby league is,” Kent said.

“Once you play first grade you don’t have this divine right to then stay in first grade for the rest of your career.

“They shouldn’t be sulking around, get better.”

“You want them to be happy about being sacked?” Rothfield asked.

“No, but I don’t want them to sook about it, I want them to get better, take your medicine go away and get better.”

While he may be displeased about being out of favour at the Dragons, the NRL360 panel was unanimous in stating that Sloan will remain at the St George Illawarra club after inking a long-term contract.

But the same couldn’t be said for Amone.

“I think they are looking back and a lot of their heartache is coming from looking at the way their replacements are playing and there has been absolutely no improvement in the side,” Rothfield said.

“And I think they believe they could do better and they have been harshly treated.”

Originally published as Bennett’s sly play to make Dragons young gun a Dolphin