Pressure is intensifying on Wayne Bennett as he confronts a key decision regarding the halves for South Sydney this week. Lewis Dodd, a high-profile recruit on a reported $700,000 salary, is unavailable for the season opener due to a suspension. In his stead, Jamie Humphreys impressed in the halfback position, prompting speculation about whether Bennett will retain him. NRL great and State of Origin coach Billy Slater believes Humphreys should keep his spot, suggesting that if a player performs well, there’s little reason to make a change.
Dodd, who joined from England, has underperformed in trials, raising questions about his fit for the starting berth. With Humphreys doing well, it seems likely that Dodd may struggle to reclaim his position when he returns. Meanwhile, teams that competed in Las Vegas will resume action shortly, with the Titans gearing up for their first match after a bye.
In other NRL news, the predicted line-ups for upcoming matches have been released. For example, the Newcastle Knights, coming off a victory, are expected to stick with their winning combination against the Dolphins, while the struggling Warriors may shake things up against the Sea Eagles. The Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters face off, with the Roosters missing star player Victor Radley.
The Rabbitohs also have significant changes as they prepare to face the Dragons, with both Jack Wighton and Tyrone Munro out due to injury. Jamie Humphreys is likely to start despite Dodd’s return from suspension.
As the season progresses, all eyes remain on the performance and decisions of coaches like Bennett and other team strategists as they navigate player injuries and suspensions while seeking a winning formula. Upcoming matches promise excitement, with the Cowboys keen to improve after a disappointing start, and the Titans debuting new players following injuries and positional shuffles.
The NRL season is poised for an exhilarating second round, with each game likely impacting the teams’ strategies for the weeks ahead.