Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett was misplaced for phrases after Saturday’s 48-20 defeat towards the Parramatta Eels on the Sunshine Coast, confessing he “can’t explain” his aspect’s first-half efficiency.
The Eels compiled a file 42 factors earlier than the interval at Sunshine Coast Stadium, the very best first-half rating for Parramatta in its 77-year historical past.
The Dolphins’ feeble defence was uncovered all through the first-half massacre, whereas the hosts additionally struggled to finish units as a result of sloppy errors. However, Bennett’s aspect bounced again within the second time period, which they gained 16-6.
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Speaking to reporters within the post-match press convention, Bennett praised the Dolphins’ second-half response, however lamented his staff’s failure to place collectively an 80-minute efficiency,
“I can’t explain the first half … we couldn’t defend the kick-offs in the first half,” Bennett mentioned.
“We had a pretty poor start here today and came back in the second half, and showed we could do a little bit of something.
“I’m just pleased we managed to do what we did in the second half … they reminded themselves of what they’ve got to do to play well.”
Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich echoed his coach’s remarks: “We just seemed to be kicking the ball off, and they were scoring tries.
“We had worked really hard on our defence all week, and then we come out here and we weren’t able to put it out there.
“At least we were able to do a bit of that in the second half — that’s a positive.”
During the primary half, Eels winger Maika Sivo was placed on report for top contact on Dolphins ahead Felise Kaufusi, and he may need a case to reply with the NRL Judiciary.
“It was weird, that was really weird,” Bennett mentioned.
“Everybody saw it, referee put him on report I think from memory, and no penalty.”
The Dolphins, presently tenth on the NRL ladder with seven wins in 15 video games, will subsequent face the ladder-leading Brisbane Broncos on the Gabba on Saturday, July 1, with kick-off scheduled for 7.35pm AEST.
It would be the second Battle of Brisbane derby between the cross-town rivals, with the Broncos rising victorious from their earlier encounter in Round 4.
Source: www.foxsports.com.au