Dolphins halfback Sean O’Sullivan is set for his first game since round four as coach Wayne Bennett shuffles his line-up ahead of Saturday’s NRL clash with Parramatta.
O’Sullivan returns from a ruptured pectoral suffered against Brisbane three months and will partner Kodi Nikorima in the halves, with young gun Isaiya Katoa moving to the bench.
But hooker Jeremy Marshall-King won’t play against the Eels because of a shoulder niggle, leaving youngster Harrison Graham set to make his debut.
Bennett was excited to see what O’Sullivan could bring to the role, but added 19-year-old Katoa shouldn’t consider his benching as a demotion.
“We wouldn't play (O’Sullivan) if we didn't think he can perform but he's just got to be careful,” he said.
“He's three months behind everybody now so he's just got to make sure he's not trying to do too much out there and just do his job.
“Kodi has been one of our main players in the last couple of months, he adds lots to the team as well.
“Isaiya does as well so he can go to the bench and get an opportunity from there, and it is a bit of a rest, he's been up for a long time.
“He's done a really good job for us but it won't hurt him (over the) next month or two, just in and out and playing a bit off the bench.”
Bennett said the Dolphins had “no interest” in recruiting St George Illawarra halfback Ben Hunt as he plots a return to his home state of Queensland, adding that position wouldn’t change even if the Maroons representative becomes available.
Hooker Graham joins 26-year-old outside back Brayden McGrady as NRL debutants in the Eels clash, while Josh Kerr will make his club debut this week after switching from the Dragons.
Kerr was set to join the Dolphins for 2024 but was granted an early release.
"The big moment for Josh is the fact that he's a Redcliffe junior,” Bennett said.
“That adds to what he's gonna bring here and coming here and it means a lot to him, his family all live here still.
“He's come over here, so I'm looking forward to seeing him play.”
The Dolphins sit 10th on the table but are level on points with the eighth-ranked Eels, making Saturday’s clash vitally important in the finals race.
