Injury chaos as Bennett’s Dolphins secure win to sit atop NRL ladder… but at a cost

The Dolphins have secured an impressive victory as Wayne Bennett gets the best of his apprentice in Benji Marshall, winning 26-16.

It was a game that was filled with injuries, with Herbie Farnworth left clutching at his neck in the closing minutes of the clash.

Tigers hooker Api Koroisau was also struggling with a leg injury but returned, while his teammates John Bateman and Samuela Fainu were unable return return after head knock assessments.

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Dolphins backrower Felise Kaufusi also was sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while Tom Flegler also left the field due to a shoulder injury.

Isaiya Katoa scored the first four-pointer of the game, charging onto a Jack Bostock break before Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored the second after a Kaufusi run through the middle of the field.

Entering the break, the Dolphins held all the momentum but the Tigers responded with two quick tries to Solomona Faataape.

His first came after a Charlie Staines break, while he charged onto an Aidan Sezer kick for his second, managing to ground the ball despite heavy pressure.

Katoa then delivered a moment of brilliance, putting a low kick in to find his halces partner Kodi Nikorima charging on a perfect angle on the right side of the field.

Kenny Bromwich then got his name on the scoresheet, benefiting from Jeremy Marshall-King slicing through the middle of the field.

Marshall’s team did everything they could to get back into the game, even scoring through Alex Seyfarth, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

The Dolphins now sit outright on the top of the ladder after their third straight victory.

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