The Dolphins hold their destiny in their own hands and face another do-or-die play-off this week in their bid make their maiden finals campaign.
After putting in an imposing performance to send the Broncos packing from the finals race, Wayne Bennett’s men head to Newcastle for a sudden-death shootout against the Knights, with the winner snaring eighth spot.
“It was a huge occasion (against the Broncos), we were fighting for our spot in the eight and to try and play some finals footy,” winger Jamayne Isaako said.
“I am happy we got the result, but we have to lift again against the Knights in Newcastle.”
Their 40-6 win at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium came after Bennett made a raft of what could have been risky team changes, but they all paid off.
Trai Fuller – who was otherwise preparing to play in a qualifying final for Redcliffe against fellow Dolphins Cup affiliate Norths Devils – was told early in the week he’d be playing NRL and wasn’t put under any pressure by Bennett, despite the big call to start him at fullback and move star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow into the centres.
Given how well both he and Tabuai-Fidow played starting together, Fuller is set to again be part of the side that must win in to make the finals.
The Hammer puts the foot down
“He let me know during the week on Tuesday (I was playing against the Broncos) and kept it under wraps for a bit,” Fuller said.
“I just knew I had to play my own game. Hammer’s Hammer and I’m myself, so I know what I need to do and he can do things that I can't do.
“I've always felt that (trust) with Wayne; there's not many coaches that I had when I've been training up at NRL level that give me the confidence like what he's done and he's always told me that when Hammer wasn't there; I get the opportunity and he stuck to his word with that.”
The Dolphins will be hoping lightning can strike twice for what is shaping as one of the most important games in their short history, with the players aiming to defy the odds in their quest to play finals in just their second season.
“We have definitely got the belief in the team and the players in the top 30 to do a job for this club,” Isaako said.
“I think everyone that comes into the squad is willing to put the jersey on and play for each other.
“The last couple of weeks we have battled with injuries, but everyone that has stepped in has done a job. Trai Fuller was exceptional for us. He did the job at the back and we needed everything he brings to the team.
“(This) week is a huge occasion for us. We will soak in (the win against the Broncos) and get back to the drawing board and re-focus ourselves and look forward to Newcastle.”
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