LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Legendary Rugby League coach Wayne Bennett has found himself in a bit of a pickle as he prepares for the upcoming NRL season.
The Bulldogs have been dealt a blow with influential forward Josh Curran potentially sidelined, while the Rabbitohs are facing their own challenges with key players like Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray succumbing to injuries.
Bennett's hopes of guiding South Sydney back into finals contention took a hit when the Dragons emerged victorious in the Charity Shield clash.
The seasoned coach now faces a tough decision following Lewis Dodd's less-than-stellar performance in the Rabbitohs jersey, which saw him cop a 10-minute sin-bin for a high tackle.
This setback could pave the way for newcomer Jamie Humphreys to step up and seize the opportunity to shine in the pivotal No.7 role.
Humphreys showed promise in his recent outing, notching a solo try and two assists to stake his claim for a starting spot alongside star playmaker Cody Walker.
As Dodd faces a possible suspension, Bennett must now weigh up his options and make a bold call on who will lead the Rabbitohs in the halves when they face off against the Dolphins.
The pressure is on for the veteran coach to make the right decision as he navigates through this challenging period for his team.