At Suncorp on Saturday, Souths fielded what appeared to be a full-strength line-up, other than skipper Cameron Murray, who hasnโt played this year after rupturing his Achilles, and new recruit Brandon Smith, who is still awaiting a clearance to return from a knee reconstruction.
By half-time, the scoreline was 30-6 in the Dolphinsโ favour, and while Bennett seemed to take some solace from โwinningโ the second half 22-20, the bottom line is his team have now lost five games in a row and sit second last on the competition ladder, ahead of only hapless Gold Coast Titans.
The top four, at this point, is pie in the sky. Souths will need a minor miracle – probably six wins from their remaining eight games – just to scrape into the play-offs.
If they miss out, Bennett will find himself as a finals spectator for the third straight year, which would be a career first.
In his two previous seasons, as foundation coach of the Dolphins, he steered the NRLโs newest franchise to 13th and 10th – respectable but hardly a cause for celebration for a man who has been involved in the post-season 30 times, winning a record seven premierships in the process.
Adding to the challenge Bennett is facing, primary playmaker Cody Walker suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday that is expected to sideline him indefinitely.
The 35-year-old was returning from a groin issue that had caused him to miss two games, having also spent six weeks out with a torn calf earlier in the year.
Walker, who has been negotiating a one-year contract extension with Souths, created two tries in quick succession for back-rower Tallis Duncan on Saturday before limping from the field in the 65th minute.
His likely absence for next Sundayโs crucial clash with Manly at Brookvale raises the question of whether English import Lewis Dodd will receive another top-grade opportunity.
Lewis Dodd has made only three NRL appearances since joining Souths from England.
Dodd, who joined Souths from Super League heavyweights St Helens on a lucrative three-year deal, has made only three NRL appearances since arriving, including two off the bench.
He was named in the starting line-up to tackle Melbourne two weeks ago, only for Bennett to belatedly shuffle his squad, moving Jack Wighton to five-eighth and Euan Aitken into the centres.
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That could again be an option for Bennett this week, or he might consider a recall for Jayden Sullivan, who was named to play alongside Dodd in Southsโ NSW Cup team to play Newtown on Sunday.
Bennett said Walkerโs prognosis was unclear, adding: โWeโll get someone else next week to do the job.โ
After opening the year with four wins from five games, Souths have celebrated only two victories from their past 11 fixtures, leaving them in the same position – second last – that they finished in last year.
Itโs a far cry from expectations when it was announced last year that Bennett was returning to the Rabbitohs, whom he steered to two preliminary finals and a grand final in his previous stint at the club.
Souths have already indicated they would like to extend the 75-year-oldโs tenure beyond his current three-season deal.
โThe season right now, different challenges are landing on our doorstep every day, so Iโm not frustrated by it, Iโm not angry about it,โ Bennett said. โLetโs just accept the reality of.โ
Michael Chammas and Andrew โJoeyโ Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.
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