EXCLUSIVE: Darren Lockyer Calls for Patience as Dolphins Navigate ‘Bennett Curse’ with New Coach

The Dolphins’ dismal start to the season, sitting at 0-3, has ignited discussions about the so-called Wayne Bennett curse that appears to be haunting the NRL’s newest franchise.

This situation certainly does not bode well for Dolphins’ head coach, Kristian Woolf.

History suggests that following in Bennett’s footsteps is rarely a recipe for success for NRL coaches. Over the past twenty years, five coaches have taken the reins after Bennett, each of whom was dismissed in relatively quick succession.

While some of these coaches enjoyed fleeting moments of success, ultimately Ivan Henjak (Brisbane), Steve Price (Dragons), Rick Stone (Newcastle), Anthony Seibold (Broncos), and Jason Demetriou (South Sydney) all faced the axe.

Woolf, like his predecessors, worked under Bennett, though the legendary coach’s stint with the Dolphins did not yield the same results as his previous roles.

Bennett had championship success at Brisbane, the Dragons, and South Sydney, but during his time at the Dolphins, they finished 13th in their inaugural season and did not make the finals the following year, wrapping up 10th place despite being among the top four in the standings as late as round 15.

“There’s a reason he excels at what he does, and when the next coach takes over, they might be capable, good people, good coaches, but it’s incredibly challenging to replicate the approach of someone like Wayne Bennett,” Darren Lockyer noted on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.

“It’s a tricky situation, but from the club’s viewpoint, they need to recognise it’s tricky and allow the new coach some time to put his own mark on the team.”

The legendary Wally Lewis remarked that breaking free from the so-called curse would be an immense task.

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“I don’t think you’ll change many minds on this issue,” Lewis commented.

“Those who believe in the curse will continue to do so, while others may argue that the team simply lacks the necessary playing personnel.”

“Wayne understands what it takes to deliver consistent top-notch performances week in and week out.

“His wealth of experience allows him to adapt his methods week on week, which is why he’s achieved so much in his career.”

Bennett expressed his confidence in Woolf when announcing his appointment as an assistant coach back in 2022.

“Kristian is ready for the NRL,” he stated at the time.

“To coach the Dolphins, you really need to be a Queenslander. You must understand Queensland. Most Queensland NRL teams are filled with local talent.

“I’m not suggesting that coaches from outside can’t succeed, but you have to resonate with Queenslanders.

“The people in Queensland are unique. It’s an instinctive feeling—something that’s ingrained within you.

“I appreciate Kristian’s attributes and what he represents. Hailing from Mt. Isa, you can’t get much tougher than that.

“I have every confidence he’s anything but a softie.”