Sattler questions why Bennett is continually doubted after season-defying win over Brisbane

The NRL’s super coach, Wayne Bennett has worked his magic once again as the Dolphins demolished the Brisbane Broncos 40-6 in a do-or-die matchup for both sides on Saturday night.

Going into the game as the underdogs, Bennett pulled off the incredible win on the back of three late changes to his spine, all of which proved to be masterstrokes.

Adding Jake Averillo, Trai Fuller and Jeremy Marshall-King into the spine just hours before kick-off was seen as a strange move by the experienced mentor but in the end, Bennett had the last laugh over his crosstown rivals.

Despite a long history of incredible coaching moves from the 74-year-old, the longstanding criticism aimed at Bennett led SEN’s Scott Sattler to jump into the defence of the Dolphins coach.

“Why do we keep (doubting him?), why do people keep questioning him, to be honest,” Sattler said on SENQ Breakfast.

“He’s been doing this for longer than all of us, he had this comment last week to journalist Joel Gould, ‘We’re in the risk business, we’ve got to take risks’, he knows what he’s doing.

“I don’t know why (we question him), he’s been managing two clubs all of his life whenever he goes from club to club.

“He done it pretty well before, he’s going to do it well again, just believe in him.

“We want to keep shooting down for whatever reason but all he’s ever been is an ornament to the game.

“I think Terry Reader summed it up pretty well last week, (when people) questioned his ability to do (manage two clubs at once), I thought it was disrespectful if I’m being quite honest.

“Play on, I love it.”

Sattler’s comments stem from an article last week that called out Bennett for seemingly coaching both the Dolphins and Rabbitohs at the same time and the negative effect it had on his current side’s season.

Since Bennett officially signed back with the Rabbitohs, the Dolphins have won just four of their last 12 games but still remain in contention for a maiden finals appearance in 2024.

The Dolphins head back on the road for the final game of the 2024 regular season as they face the Newcastle Knights on Sunday afternoon, with the winner all but securing 8th spot on the ladder.