Wayne Bennett gets one over his soon-to-be new club South Sydney as Dolphins pile more misery on NRL strugglers

Tevita Pangai Jnr performed in a way that only he can to deliver the Dolphins and his mentor Wayne Bennett to a vital 36-28 victory over South Sydney.

Ahead of Thursday night’s game at Kayo Stadium, all that was talked about was the fact that the Rabbitohs have won five games in a row since Bennett signed to return to Redfern in 2025.

The head coach had promised before the match that he would focus solely on the Dolphins and Pangai Jnr. and his teammates backed Bennett to the hilt.

Both teams scored six times, but winger Jamayne Isaako scored six goals from as many attempts for the home side, keeping them in sixth position in forward Kenny Bromwich’s 250th NRL game.

The worst for the Dolphins came when striker Euan Aitken suffered a suspected pectoral muscle tear in the first half.

Playing halves Kodi Nikorima and Isaiaya Katoa, along with lightning-quick fullback Trai Fuller, shone, but it was Pangai who made the difference in his third game back in the NRL after a spell in boxing.

Pangai, one of many players to perform best under Bennett, played a near-perfect opening period in which he showed intent, strength and skill.

His 97 metres from 10 attempts in the opening 26 minutes – including two offloads, three tackle busts and a try – set the tone for the home side.

Wayne Bennett was the better of the team he will rejoin in 2025

The Dolphins led 24-10 early in the second half, but the visitors reduced the margin to six points before an offload from Pangai led to a try for Sean O’Sullivan.

Pangai fired home a shot into his own goal area early in the game with instinct and class and in the next set, winger Jack Bostock finished off a great pass from Fuller with a great pass.

Fuller then obstructed Souths fullback Jye Gray as he tried to score and The Bunker ruled it a penalty, levelling the score.

With his brute strength, Pangai then crushed three defenders and scored from close range.

Rabbitohs talent Cody Walker sent winger Jacob Gagai over with a superb pass into the corner.

Gray saved a try with a daring tackle on Bostock, after which Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth stepped over the ball to make it 18-10 at half-time.

The Rabbitohs have endured a tough 2024, which has led to the club turning to Bennett

Katoa put a sublime pass through for Nikorima to score after the break, Gray setting up Gagai for his second of the night before winger Alex Johnston went over to open play.

Pangai’s crucial offload then put the home side ahead, with Fuller deciding the match despite Johnston scoring his second and Gagai completing a hat-trick in the closing stages.