After experiencing a “massive” year filled with opportunity, Dolphins forward Connelly Lemuelu is hoping his recent injury setback won’t stop him from taking up a starting spot in Round 1.
Lemuelu is on the comeback trail after suffering an MCL and PCL injury while playing with Samoa in the Pacific Championships, with his representative selection coming off the back of a strong showing throughout 2023.
“The knee, it's feeling pretty good, I have been back into full training these last two weeks, slightly modified,” Lemuelu said.
“But it's good to get back in the mix and get among the boys and it's feeling good and tracking well for the trials and Round 1.
“I'll be putting my hand up for those trial spots, I am just trying to lock down the spot for that Round 1 team, so I'll definitely be playing in those trials.”
Round 1 return in sights of Lemuelu
Entering their second season, the Dolphins have bolstered their squad with some impressive signings and have a relatively clean bill of health, meaning competition for spots for the opening round match against his old team the North Queensland Cowboys is high.
However, while all the players are pressing their cases for selection, Lemuelu has been grateful to learn from the more experienced forwards in the squad including Kenny Bromwich, who is another looking to line up in the second row.
“I've got a really good relationship with Kenny, he was one of those blokes that I looked up to when I was younger and having the opportunity to come down to the Dolphins and getting to learn off the likes of him, a premiership winner and an established international player; it's been awesome,” Lemuelu said.
“I've spent the majority of last year in that backrow spot and definitely took a lot of tips from him last season.”
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Coming down to the Dolphins as more of a utility player, Lemuelu has relished the move into the backrow which he says has "simplified" his game, but he also been sure to take on board notes from coach Wayne Bennett who is not backwards in coming forwards with his feedback.
“It's pretty cool actually, getting that sort of treatment from Wayne, he doesn't treat anyone any differently,” Lemuelu said of his coach who is know to give a spray when warranted.
“He sees everyone the same. The year that I had last year, he was a massive part of it and he just wants to help you and wants you to get better.
“So it definitely it comes from a good place in his heart."