The Mole’s Wednesday Insights: Bennett Contemplating Surprising Souths Selection; Unveiling the True Reason Behind Warrior’s Departure

Is Wayne Bennett considering one of his bold strategies for the opening match of his return as South Sydney’s head coach?

Many are anticipating that Bennett will field English recruit Lewis Dodd in the crucial halfback position for the first round of the premiership scheduled for next month.

However, sources close to Souths have informed Wide World of Sports that the relatively unknown Jamie Humphreys has also been donning the number seven jersey in training and may outshine Dodd.

A recent acquisition from Manly, Humphreys played a single match for the Sea Eagles last season, making a noteworthy debut by scoring the first try in their impressive 44-6 victory over the Knights.

While Dodd is regarded as a solid player, he might take some time to adjust to the NRL’s speed in contrast to the Super League.

Both players are expected to see action in the upcoming trials commencing this weekend, but don’t be surprised if Bennett opts to start the 22-year-old rookie, who is the grandson of former league administrator Kevin Humphreys.

The real motive behind the unexpected Warriors decision

So why did the Warriors let go of highly-rated young back-rower Zyon Maiu’u just before the trials kick off this week to the Bulldogs?

Word from player managers suggests that the Kiwi club is concerned about their depth in outside backs, especially with first-choice players Rocco Berry and Adam Pompey dealing with early injuries.

The Warriors are not facing similar issues in the forward pack, where they boast a wealth of strong, powerful players ready to deliver.

By releasing Maiu’u, they can free up salary cap space, which the Warriors might utilise to recruit a fast backline player before the season kicks off.

A stroke of bad luck for a young Knights talent

Rugby league can be unforgiving – just ask up-and-coming Knights playmaker Jye Linnane.

The 19-year-old, who is the nephew of 1980s star Steve Linnane, had recently been promoted to Newcastle’s top 30 and was looking at a potential NRL debut this year.

Unfortunately, the local junior sustained a ruptured ACL during a standard drill at pre-season training – just a year after facing a similar injury on his other knee.

The unfortunate player is now set to be sidelined for the entirety of the season.

Son-of-a-gun makes a surprising move

The Tigers have an abundance of halfbacks in their squad, and they’ve added another to their roster.

Former Panthers playmaker Kurt Falls, who appeared in three NRL matches for the premiers in 2022, has signed on with the Tigers’ NSW Cup affiliate, Wests Magpies.

The 28-year-old sharpened his skills with Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup last year and could prove to be a valuable acquisition for the Tigers.

Given the length of the season, he may get opportunities if injuries or form issues plague the Tigers’ more recognised halves.

Also joining the Magpies is former Sea Eagle Jake Watmough – a surprising addition considering his father is a Manly legend currently coaching the Jersey Flegg at Brookvale.