Wayne Bennett stated there are just a few “weaknesses” in Anthony Milford’s recreation that prompted him to play Isaiya Katoa forward of his extra skilled teammate for the Dolphins’ season-opener in opposition to the Roosters.
Speaking to Australian Associated Press forward of Sunday’s recreation, Bennett praised the 19-year-old’s maturity whereas opening up on the powerful choice to go away Milford out of his first-choice crew.
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“Isaiya has trained really well,” Bennett stated, per AAP.
“He is a quality player He has got quite a challenge in front of him but I think he is up to it. “He is only young but I think there is a fair bit of maturity with him and the rest we are going to have to all watch and see because I had never seen him play until (the pre-season challenge).
“Training is not the place where you gain your reputation. It is on the football field. He is starting on his journey so let’s see what he brings.”
Bennett was introduced in to be the Dolphins’ inaugural coach to make powerful calls just like the one to advertise Katoa forward of Milford, admitting there are “weaknesses” the 28-year-old wants to deal with in his recreation.
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“No decision is made lightly particularly with senior players and players that have the quality Anthony has,” Bennett stated.
“But there are some things I need him to be better at and that he needs to be better at, and he is working on that.
“He was great. He understood. It wasn’t something I was making up. He understands his own weaknesses in his game.”
It comes after Bennett delivered a brutal actuality test to Milford earlier within the week, declaring “time is running out” for him to resurrect his NRL profession.
“But Anthony still has time,” Bennett added on the time.
“The reality is where does Anthony want to be in 12 months time – does he want to be back on top of his game or in and out of the team like a yoyo?
“Anthony is at an age now where he is mature enough. He knows all about the game. He has been through enough tough times, so he has to make a deliberate choice about where he wants to be.”
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Dolphins CEO Terry Reader informed Fox Sports News this week that Milford continues to be “an important part of the club” and was assured he would rebound from the frustration.
“Every week he’s [Bennett] got to look at what is in front of him, what’s happened in the trials and at training and he’s made some tough decisions for round one,” Reader stated.
“We know Anthony will kick back into gear and be ready when he is called upon. He’s an important part of our club.”
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Reader additionally stated there may be “a lot” for Dolphins followers to be enthusiastic about in the case of Katoa, who represented Tonga on the latest Rugby League World Cup.
“He’s got Sean O’Sullivan beside him but also we’re forgetting Katoa played in the halves for Tonga in the World Cup and has represented his country already,” Reader stated.
“He’s been there and done that at that level so he’s got a very mature head on his shoulders and nothing seems to faze him.
“Whatever challenges have put in front of him, he’s met it and I have no doubt he’ll do the same on Sunday. There’s a lot to be excited about and can’t wait to see him make his debut.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
