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After having fun with a rosy opening month of their NRL existence, the Dolphins have been uncovered to the ruthlessness of the world’s premier rugby league competitors.
Wayne Bennett‘s males copped their first drubbing on Saturday night time, struggling a 38-12 thrashing by the hands of the lowly Dragons in Wollongong.
And including to the ache of the Redcliffe-based membership was an harm sustained by Anthony Milford, who was scrubbed from the match within the 18th minute attributable to a hamstring downside.
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Bennett mentioned in his post-match press convention that Milford would probably be sidelined for “three or 4 weeks”.
The previous Queensland State of Origin playmaker had been known as as much as exchange chief halfback Sean O’Sullivan, who’s anticipated to overlook 12-16 weeks after sustaining a pectoral harm final week.
“It leaves me seeking to the skies saying a number of prayers,” Bennett mentioned as he lamented the blows to Milford and O’Sullivan.
Milford pulled up lame whereas working the footy out of Dolphins territory.
“I have never tried to measure his disappointment,” mentioned Bennett, who coached Milford on the Broncos.
“He should cope with it.”
Bennett confirmed a glimpse of his trademark dry humour when requested if Kodi Nikorima would exchange Milford subsequent week.
“Except you could find one other one for me,” the grasp coach mentioned.
The Dolphins gained the primary three video games of their inaugural NRL marketing campaign, beating the Roosters 28-18, the Raiders 20-14 and the Knights 36-20.
They had been gutsy in an 18-12 defeat to the Broncos final week, which was determined by a length-of-the-field Kotoni Staggs attempt within the dying minutes.
The Dolphins had been anticipated to be dealt their first belting sooner than spherical 5.
“You’ve got all been ready for this efficiency. You all thought it will occur in week one, however it did not. Did not occur in week two, three or 4,” Bennett advised reporters.
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“We have been up for a month. We have form of performed in two semi-grand finals, to be candid with you.
“They’ve dealt with it nice, however at present we simply did not play with that vitality we have been enjoying with, and that dedication, from the kick-off.
“The Dragons have been on the different finish of the spectrum and I feel anybody that has any soccer information in any respect knew they had been going to go arduous at present.
“They turned up and had been a special group to what they have been the final couple of weeks.”
The Dolphins’ loss soured the three hundredth NRL look of former Storm arduous nut Jesse Bromwich.
The Dolphins will face the Cowboys in Townsville subsequent Friday night time, whereas the Dragons will meet the Titans on the Gold Coast subsequent Sunday afternoon.
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