Bennett has been accused of losing focus on the Dolphins after signing with Souths for 2025.
Corey Parker has strongly rebutted suggestions from veteran league reporter Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield that the Dolphins’ recent NRL form slump is linked to coach Wayne Bennett’s decision to re-join South Sydney next season. Last month, the esteemed coach agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Rabbitohs, a club he previously guided to multiple finals appearances from 2019 to 2021.
Despite Bennett’s impending move, the Dolphins have encountered difficulties, losing three of their last four games, while the Rabbitohs have surged, winning four consecutive matches to climb up the ladder. Rothfield and others have questioned where Bennett’s focus lies, citing reports of his discussions with Souths interim coach Ben Hornby regarding positional changes and interactions with Rabbitohs players.
“James Hooper mentioned last week that Wayne was discussing with Ben Hornby about moving (Keaon) Koloamatangi from the edge to the middle. Latrell (Mitchell) is frequently in contact with him,” Rothfield stated on Sky’s Big Sports Breakfast on Monday. “I appreciate Wayne’s commitment to those players and his upcoming move, but if this were a major business scenario—let’s say in retail—if the CEO of David Jones resigned to join Myer next year, would he be strategizing about Boxing Day sales with Myer’s staff? Would he be involved in hiring decisions? I’m not suggesting the Dolphins are doomed or anything, they’re just not achieving wins, and this game is ultimately about winning.”
Naturally, part of a coach’s responsibility involves planning for the future, and the Rabbitohs have already begun making moves in that direction. They have agreed to release former representative hooker Damien Cook to the Dragons in 2025, a decision that would have been approved by Bennett. Critics argue that as Bennett shifts some of his attention to the Rabbitohs’ 2025 roster, the Dolphins’ performance has suffered accordingly.
Corey Parker has strongly criticized the “rubbish” criticism aimed at Wayne Bennett. Refusing to entertain suggestions that Bennett is not fully committed to the Dolphins’ 2024 season, Parker, a former Broncos star coached by Bennett in Brisbane, believes that if any coach can effectively manage dual responsibilities, it’s the most experienced mentor in the game. Parker also emphasizes that Ben Hornby deserves recognition for revitalizing South Sydney’s fortunes after taking over from Jason Demetriou, who was sacked following a poor start to the season with just one win in seven games.
“It’s a unique situation, but if anyone can handle unique situations in the modern game, it’s Wayne Bennett,” Parker told SENQ Mornings. “He has a remarkable ability, his connections, and what he’s achieved—there’s no one quite like Wayne Bennett. Even when he moves on from Souths, if he ever does.
“What he can do is manage different roles. Yes, he’s supporting Ben Hornby and the developments at Souths, but I don’t believe it’s to the extent that some might suggest. Hornby and the players deserve credit… It’s unfair to claim that Wayne has disengaged just because the Dolphins are struggling while Souths are excelling.”