By Nick Wright
In their first meeting as rivals, the master conquered the apprentice.
Wayne Bennett’s return to South Sydney has got off to a strong start, his Rabbitohs grinding out the club he helped found in the Dolphins – along with former assistant Kristian Woolf – 16-14 to kickstart their 2025 NRL campaign.
Where the cardinal and myrtle looked composed throughout the first half, aside from a lapse in judgement failing to go up for a kick, the Dolphins were rushed in attack by a ruthless defence.
Halfback Isaiya Katoa simply could not get into a rhythm, although his deft hands to put Max Plath through a hole in the second stanza was impressive, as he was hurried to his kicks and limited of his time with the ball.
The attack never quite clicked from there, with the talented No.7 seemingly missing finding the late pass for his elusive partner in the halves, Kodi Nikorima, who remained in Queensland with Mark Nicholls and Kenny Bromwich to help their families prepare for Cyclone Alfred.
Even as the Rabbitohs missed 40 tackles to the Dolphins 20, while the Queensland outfit ran for 115 metres more across the contest, the pressure of the line speed Bennett’s men created did its job.
“There were a lot of things I was really proud of with our effort. I just thought we left a couple of points out there. We didn’t quite ice a couple of opportunities we did create.”
Kristian Woolf
On the back of that, the Dolphins were punished for their 12 errors; returning Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham, who has not played a game since 2023 due to both a sternum injury and broken hand, outstanding in running for 201 metres and making a try-saving tackle on Junior Tupou.
“He’s had a long road, over 500 days since he’s played NRL football,” Rabbitohs stand-in captain Cody Walker said.
“He had a couple of disappointments last year when he was halfway there, so it would’ve been hard for him. But it’s just good to see him back out there putting in for the team, we’ve missed him.”
Recruits find their mojo
While the result did not go their way, the Dolphins can take solace in the fact their main recruits all look tailor-made for the big stage.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki arrived in Redcliffe having been stuck behind Cowboys edge forwards Heilum Luki and Jeremiah Nanai and made an immediate impact as a starter in his new colours.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki was a powerhouse before leaving for a HIA in his Dolphins’ debut.Credit: NRL Photos
The 21-year-old was a constant threat on the right side until leaving the field for a HIA, finishing with 125 running metres, five tackle busts and 23 tackles in a 54-minute stint.
Should this form persevere, a State of Origin debut could beckon, given Queensland’s rotation of Kurt Capewell, Jaydn Su’A and Jeremiah Nanai failed to truly threaten New South Wales throughout last year’s series.
Fellow incoming forward Daniel Saifiti overcame head injury assessment to run for 159 metres and four tackle busts, while making 24 tackles.
“He’s been exceptional for us, he’s a very good bloke to have in your group, he’s worked very hard, and I thought he was one of our best tonight.”
Kristian Woolf on Daniel Saifiti
Fullback battle takes centre stage
If Friday night was anything to go by, Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow needs to get himself more involved in his side’s attack.
The Dolphins defeat to the Rabbitohs highlighted the need for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to remain an influence for the entire 80 minutes.Credit: NRL Photos
When the Maroons ace got a sniff he looked threatening, going on to finish with 216 running metres, 10 tackle busts, two linebreak assists and a try assist.
Many of his more clinical involvements came in the second half, when the Dolphins got on a roll and scored back-to-back tries to clinch the lead back from South Sydney.
As the NRL’s newest outfit, the Dolphins need their stars to set the tone for the full 80 minutes, and Tabuai-Fidow showed if he can capture his best across a game they will prove a hard team to beat.
‘The Hammer’s’ exploits created an engaging battle with rising star Jye Gray, whose carries through the middle and willingness to punch above his weight was eye-catching.
Stepping into the void left by the injured Latrell Mitchell (hamstring) – who was joined on the sidelines by inspirational skipper Cameron Murray (Achilles) – Gray showed his courage in charging for 216 metres while coming up with a try assist.
Gilbert’s return shows promise
Tom Gilbert had not been sighted in the NRL since before the opening State of Origin clash of 2023, during which he suffered a dislocated shoulder, before returning in the 2024 preseason trials and rupturing his ACL.
It has been a long wait for the Dolphins’ new captain, but the powerhouse lock did not disappoint when he at last got his chance.
Tom Gilbert made his return for the Dolphins against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.Credit: NRL Photos
Gilbert may not have packed his past punch with ball in hand – running for 91 metres from 11 carries – but his defensive workload was enormous in a 57-minute performance.
The 24-year-old made an astonishing 59 tackles, regularly seen coming into any contest as a supporting defender while putting in a few trademark big hits of his own.
“I thought he played like Tom does: he played with plenty of effort and passion, he led from the front with those things. He hasn’t played footy for 18 months so he’s going to get better with every performance.”
Kristian Woolf