Cody Walker and David Fifita star in South Sydney’s win
David Fifita, whose disastrous final year at the Gold Coast Titans has left pundits wondering what his future holds, is rumored to be a new man after reuniting with super coach Wayne Bennett.
While there were some moments the former Queensland Maroons player would like to return to – a late sin-binding for his involvement in a melee involving Dolphins co-captain Tom Gilbert – he still showed the moments of magic that made him a $1 million man in Queensland.
After a poor defensive read to open a safe pass for Dolphins counterpart Kulikefu Finefeuiaki to score, a soft touch on the possession play soon followed. But in the shadows of half-time, Fifita made his presence felt by attacking Walker’s short pass, shrugging off defenders and finding a pass for Alex Johnston to score.
His stint in the sin bin gave him an early breather with eight minutes remaining, but the 26-year-old, who only made eight appearances last year between injuries and fitness issues, still finished with 156 running metres, one line infringement, one try assist, 16 tackles and even a forced substitution.
Farnworth-Cobbo given little chance
The left wing combination of Farnworth and Selwyn Cobbo looked set to give the Dolphins a lethal advantage, but they only had one chance to prove it.
Some impromptu plays by the Dolphins to keep the ball alive gave them two cracks in the same game; to gain ground and get back into the field before the ball gets back to them.
Cobbo’s attacking and forward combativeness was scored by Farnworth early in the second half and gave a glimpse of what the Dolphins’ midfield could achieve if they kicked into gear.
The problem was that they rarely got the chance, as most of their work was limited to getting out of their own ends.
In his first appearance for the Dolphins since his arrival from the Broncos, Cobbo managed to defuse several bombs under pressure and finish the race with 153 running metres, a sign that his previously questionable fitness levels had improved.
Farnworth ran for 143 meters himself, most of them from scrummaging near his own goal line, and Woolf will need to conquer his team’s routes to get the most out of his superstar center combination.
Koloamatangi’s huge exhibition
Payne Haas will arrive at the Rabbitohs from 2027 but Keaon Koloamatangi has provided a timely reminder of what South Sydney will miss when he leaves.
While the Tongan star entered the half-time break with 220 runs from 19 deliveries, the Dolphins pack still missing Daniel Saifiti (shoulder), Max Plath (knee) and Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring) could not contain the 27-year-old powerhouse.
This laid the foundation for the Rabbitohs to take an 18-point lead into half-time; Their star backline advanced quickly; Campbell Graham made a double pass and they were joined on the scoresheet by Mitchell, Jye Gray and Johnston.
The Dolphins were only able to capitalize from any area once, through Finefeuiaki, with their other try coming from Jake Averillo’s tackle on his own line.
Koloamatangi’s departure to St George-Illawarra from 2027 has triggered Bennett’s pursuit of Haas, who will leave the Broncos at the end of the season, but the Dragons will equally be eagerly awaiting the arrival of new names.
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