Legendary rugby league coach Wayne Bennett has struggled signing NRL stars to the Dolphins in a way nobody anticipated.
Bennett has gone after the biggest names in the game – including plenty he’s coached – only to be turned down time and again.
The Dolphins have only signed Origin players from this year’s series and it can be revealed one of them wasn’t even recruited.
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Round 1
MORE NRL NEWS COURT: Cop had ‘no reason’ to punch NRL star but zero charges laid against police SUPER COACH: How Bennett will use glaring Dolphins issue to his advantage VERDICT ON KEY POSITIONAL BATTLES: Broncos’ No.9 dilemma; Eels’ huge void ‘I UNDERRATED HIM’: The Dolphins recruit set to shine among emerging stars “It was a pretty warming feeling to be honest, it was everything I wanted, to be home and close to family and that was something that was really big for me. So once Wayne finally gave me the opportunity to come back I was over the moon. “I was lucky enough to meet him before I signed here and for me it made me feel really comfortable about my decision as a footy player and as a person to come down here and play under him.” Gilbert’s game went from strength to strength after signing with the Dolphins and he helped the Cowboys surge up the ladder to finish third. “When I spoke to Wayne my mentality at the time was about becoming a good football player but a good person as well,” he said. “Focusing on myself away from footy just as much as I’m focusing on myself at footy and that was something that really changed. “He was honest and understanding and also valued things away from footy which was also a big part of my development as a person and as a footy player. Sam Walker signs two-year extension | 00:25 OFF-SEASON: Broncos star’s plan for recall; Roosters’ bid to avoid spine wobbles CIRALDO COUP! Dogs snare ‘massive’ Panthers premiership cog in Aussie UFC star TRANSFER CENTRE: Sharks poach Panthers playmaker; Roosters lock up star half ‘ONE OF THEM WILL HAVE TO GO’: Legend’s big call on Eels’ $2m halves dilemma “I’ve just started studying for a business degree so that gives me something else to put my energy towards. “Today was my first field session with Wayne and I really enjoyed how he hands on and how honest and direct he is as well.” Gilbert’s form saw him picked in the Origin decider and he came off the bench as the Maroons secured a famous victory at Suncorp Stadium. “Origin is definitely somewhere I want to keep myself in, you want to play in the biggest games and there’s not much bigger than Origin,” he said. “So I’m working hard in the back of my head to get that Queensland jersey for game one. “I’ve got to keep controlling today and tomorrow and that will put me in good stead to get that opportunity.” Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
