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Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell will line up in the centres for Friday's grudge match against the Roosters as livewire fullback Jye Gray retains the No.1 jersey.
After missing the opening four rounds with a hamstring problem, Mitchell's presence is a massive boost for the Bunnies, who have overcome a host of injuries to win three of their first four games.
Gray has been a key factor in the Rabbitohs' 3-1 early success, averaging 213 running metres per game and shooting to the top of Dally M Medal voting.
Mitchell has proven to be a classy centre as well, with memorable performances in the position, most notably while wearing a NSW Blues jersey. He also won a grand final with the Roosters while playing there in 2019.
Bennett has also had no qualms in the past backing his smaller men to continue to provide much-needed spark and energy with their kick returns, having opted to select Trai Fuller at fullback and Hamiso Tabui-Fidow at centre at the Dolphins last year.
Speaking on Mitchell’s expected return to the line-up following the upset victory over the Panthers, Bennett said Gray had “done enough” to keep his position.
“He's done enough, but whether he plays there or that's another issue,” the tight-lipped Bennett said. “We’ll have to wait until 4 o'clock on Tuesday.
“We've won three out of four with a number of players missing, all Trell's got to do is come back and do his job for us.
“We're don’t want him doing any more than that.
“He’s a wonderful player, we all know what he brings, but we need him to be sync with the rest of us, getting the job done, working hard and being part of the team.
“I'm sure he'll do all that, but I have no more expectation of him than that.”
The Roosters have Connor Watson returning to the hooking role after a week out with concussion but they are once again be without Victor Radley after he suffered a cheekbone fracture in the loss to the Titans.
Elsewhere, Penrith captain Nathan Cleary has been named to lead his side against the Raiders after sitting out last week’s loss to the Bunnies due to concussion.
Lehi Hopoate will play fullback for the Sea Eagles, filling in for the injured Tom Trbojevic (knee) against the Storm, who have listed halfback Jahrome Hughes among the reserves in good signs as he makes his return from a broken hand.
Up north, Jaiyden Hunt has earned a recall to the Broncos bench, with Brendan Piakura moving to start in the second row for the suspended Jordan Riki.
At the Dolphins, Max Plath will start at lock in place of suspended skipper Tom Gilbert, with Connelly Lemuelu named to return from a fractured eye socket in the second row. Veteran Felise Kaufusi will captain the side as they aim to claim their first win against the Titans.
Sean Mullany, who has been playing Hostplus Cup with Tweed Seagulls, will make his NRL debut for the Gold Coast, who welcome back Jaimin Jolliffe from a calf injury.
