‘This bloke might have a future’: Roosters ‘dominated physically’ as Wayne’s Phins stun

The Dolphins have pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NRL history, stunning premiership favourites the Roosters in their inaugural match.

Wayne Bennett’s expansion side dominated in defence and outmuscled the Roosters for a gritty 28-18 win in front of 32,177 fans at Suncorp Stadium.

Heading into the 2023 season most pundits had the Dolphins collecting the wooden spoon and the Roosters contesting the grand final.

But the 17th NRL club were clearly the better side on Sunday afternoon as the team notably without a marquee signing outclassed the glamour club full of superstars.

Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The famous win left onlookers stunned, including former stars and Fox League experts Cooper Cronk, Michael Ennis, Braith Anasta, Corey Parker and Greg Alexander.

“Can’t do anything but tip your hat to what Wayne Bennett has done,” Cronk declared.

“To come out here in Round 1 against one of the heavyweights … he’s had a lot of highlights throughout his coaching career Wayne but this has got to be right up there.”

Brandon Smith of the Roosters looks dejected after his team loses the round one NRL match between the Dolphins and Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Ennis responded: “Unbelievable. Historic day at Suncorp for the Dolphins, to knock over one of the genuine heavyweights.

“Many people have got the Roosters winning the competition this year and on day one they make a statement led by their experienced men. I thought Felise Kaufusi was outstanding today along with the Bromwich brothers.

“Marshall-King terrific around the ruck, I thought he was a threat all day. O’Sullivan and Katoa combined nicely. But all in all, simply the way they out enthused them, out competed them and came up with some brilliant tries.”

Anasta said: “Incredible performance from the new club and they have delivered on the biggest stage against one of the competition heavyweights.

“Bennett is one of the best to ever coach and he’s delivered again this afternoon.”

Fulltime scenes as Phins take first win! | 00:44

“A lot of people wrote them off and I was one of them, more people thought the Roosters would come and be too classy,” Parker conceded.

“But they bashed and barged the Roosters from the outset. We now know what they’re about, they want to dominate physically. I was really impressed with what I saw this afternoon.

Alexander added: “What a beginning for this side, the 17th team.”

Meanwhile veteran commentator Andrew Voss said: “He started coaching in 1976 with Ipswich 47 years ago, then 35 years ago on day one with the Broncos. Now he’s got this new team with the Dolphins, and he’s got them knocking over the Roosters.

“You’ve witnessed history here on Fox League, the Dolphins are winners in game Number 1, amazing stuff.

“This bloke Bennett might have a future in coaching, 73 years of age and his team has beaten the Roosters day 1, history is made.”