Wayne Bennett usually remains tight-lipped, but he couldn’t hide his enthusiasm after Jamie Humphreys’ pivotal performance led the Rabbitohs to victory on Saturday. The young halfback, who transferred from Manly with minimal first-grade experience, has quickly become a standout for South Sydney in the season’s first two rounds.
Initially, many expected English signing Lewis Dodd would claim the coveted No.7 jersey, but Dodd’s chances now seem unlikely due to Humphreys’ impressive contributions. In a gripping 25-24 win against the Dragons, the 23-year-old executed a clutch field goal while converting all four attempts, showcasing his talents on the field.
Post-match, Bennett was asked about the pivotal moment when Humphreys secured the win. The legendary coach smiled, remarking, “Cody [Walker] probably didn’t want to do it.” He praised Humphreys for instinctively stepping up and executing the crucial kick, emphasising that his success came without overthinking the situation.
Walker, seated next to Bennett during the interview, expressed admiration for Humphreys’ composure under pressure. He recounted a moment from the game when they were strategising, admitting field goals weren’t typically part of his game plan, while acknowledging that Humphreys nailed it under less-than-ideal conditions.
Humphreys now boasts a 100% win record in his three NRL games, a testament to his strong start at South Sydney, where he initially faced uncertain prospects for a starting position. However, Bennett is delighted with the player’s decision to join the club.
Bennett praised Humphreys for his confidence, highlighting how he has embraced various responsibilities, from goal-kicking to executing long passes, including the decisive field goal that secured their recent win. He remarked on Humphreys’ self-assurance and noted the positive impact of Graham Arnold, the former Socceroos coach, who joined the club to enhance the kicking game.
Bennett’s satisfaction is clear as he leads the Rabbitohs into their upcoming match against Cronulla. With Humphreys making waves early in the season, the team looks poised to continue that momentum.