LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken

'Phins relying on Wayne's Bunnies to pen new chapter in Book of Feuds

The Dolphins, after defeating the Titans to keep their finals hopes alive, are looking to their former mentor Wayne Bennett for support. Coach Kristian Woolf and forward Felise Kaufusi have been asked whether they would encourage Bennett to motivate his Rabbitohs to beat the Roosters.

Even though Bennett and Souths are out of the finals race, their performance could significantly influence the outcomes for both the Roosters and the Dolphins, who are vying for the eighth playoff spot.

If the Roosters emerge victorious against the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, they will secure the last finals spot. Conversely, if Souths win, the Dolphins can earn that playoff berth by defeating Canberra at Kayo Stadium on Sunday.

This scenario would warrant a new chapter in the ongoing rivalry, especially as Souths might see the return of captain Cameron Murray for his first match this season, along with players Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton.

Souths also have another incentive: helping Alex Johnston break Ken Irvine's long-standing record of 212 premiership tries, with Johnston currently just two tries shy of the mark.

If Bennett, as the Dolphins' founding coach, can assist his successors and former players in reaching the club's inaugural finals series-something they couldn't accomplish during his three seasons-it would mark a historic achievement for the team.

As for the Raiders, Storm, and Bulldogs, their positions are now set, leading them to potentially rest players, following the example set by Penrith last Thursday night.