Tevita Pangai Jnr delivered his best to give the Dolphins and his mentor Wayne Bennett a decisive 36-28 victory over South Sydney.
Before Thursday night’s game at Kayo Stadium, the main question was whether the Rabbitohs had won five games in a row since Bennett signed his contract to return to Redfern in 2025.
The head coach had vowed before the game that his sole focus would be on the Dolphins and Pangai Jnr, and his teammates gave Bennett all their support.
Both sides scored six tries, but winger Jamayne Isaako kicked six goals from as many attempts for the hosts, keeping them in sixth place in striker Kenny Bromwich’s 250th NRL game.
The downside for the Dolphins was that striker Euan Aitken suffered a suspected torn pectoral muscle in the first half.
Halves Kodi Nikorima and Isaiaya Katoa and lightning-quick fullback Trai Fuller shone, but it was Pangai who provided the kick-off in his third game back in the NRL after a stint as a boxer.
Pangai, one of many players who perform at his best under Bennett, had a near-perfect opening performance that showed intent, power and skill.
His 97m from 10 attempts in the first 26 minutes – including two passes, three tackle busts and a try – set the tone for the home side.
The Dolphins led 24-10 at the start of the second half, but the visitors reduced the gap to six points before a Pangai throw-in set up a try for Sean O’Sullivan.
Pangai showed instinct and class when he grabbed a bomb throw in his own goal area early in the game and in the next set winger Jack Bostock completed a sweeping move after a superb cut-out pass from Fuller.
Fuller then impeded Souths fullback Jye Gray in his attempt to score and The Bunker awarded a penalty try to equalise.
Pangai then used his brute strength to pulverize three defenders and score a goal from close range.
Rabbitohs talisman Cody Walker sent winger Jacob Gagai on his way with a brilliant pass into the corner.
Gray denied a try with a brave tackle on Bostock before Dolphins center Herbie Farnworth stepped forward and smashed his way to an 18-10 halftime lead.
Katoa fired a superb shot through after the break to set up Nikorima and Gray set up Gagai’s second of the night before winger Alex Johnston headed over to start the game.
Pangai’s crucial clearance put the home side ahead before Fuller raced away to seal the deal, although Johnston scored his second goal and Gagai completed a hat-trick shortly after.