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Bennett curse rubbished as Dolphins face Sydney bogey
Joel Gould, AAP • May 6th, 2025 1:00 pm
Photo: AAP
The Wayne Bennett curse has raised its ugly head again as the Dolphins attempt to overcome their Sydney hoodoo.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woof once alluded to the fact that the narrative around the so-called "curse" that befalls mentors who follow the master coach would fade away with wins.
He was right. The Dolphins won three games in a row after losing the first three, and talk of the curse evaporated.
Now, after consecutive losses, leaving the side just two points ahead of their Thursday night opponents Parramatta, the subject has rematerialised.
Not that Dolphins veteran prop Felise Kaufusi was having any of it when asked about the curse.
"I think it is a load of s*** to be honest," Kaufusi said.
"I don't think it has affected us or anyone in our Dolphins bubble. It is just a lot of outside noise.
"I don't think (the handover from Bennett to Woolf) was disruptive at all. It was a lot smoother transition having Woolfy as an assistant coach the last two years.
Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi is on track to return from injury against Parramatta | Photo: AAP
"Woolfy has stepped into the head coach role and I don't see that as a distraction. Any coach is going to be different to Wayne, no matter who you are. I think we have done well so far and will continue to try and improve."
After disappointing losses to Canberra and the Sydney Roosters, the improvement must start at CommBank Stadium against the cellar-dwelling Eels.
The Dolphins have struggled away, particularly in Sydney, where they have won just one game from seven attempts, a 30-28 victory over Cronulla last year.
"Every game is (important), but it has been touched on, those games playing away, and that is something we will have to put a bit more emphasis on," Kaufusi said.
"It starts this week. All over the park and defensively (we need to improve) obviously.
"Leaking (76) points in the last two weeks isn't great, and I think it is up to yourself as an individual to get that right.
"I am sure we have all had a good hard look at each other and are ready to make up for it this week."
Kaufusi has missed the past two games with a knee injury, but is on track to make his return against Parramatta after training well on Monday.
"I got through today's session. There is still captain's run, but I am confident I will be ready," he said.
"I just want to play some footy. It has been tough watching the last two weeks, but injuries happen."
