The Dolphins: Wayne Bennett makes a move for unhappy Dragons starlet
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is reported to have sounded out St George Illawarra starlet Junior Amone over the possibility of a switch to Redcliffe.
Bennett is busy putting together his roster ahead of the Dolphins entering the NRL in 2023. Some big names have already signed up including Storm trio Felise Kaufusi and Jesse and Kenny Bromwich. But there are still spots to fill and Bennett is on the prowl for top talent.
Reports now claim that Amone is a target as his future with the Dragons is in some doubt. At just 20, Amone is seen as a potential star of the future and the Dragons will be keen to keep him.
The Dolphins target Amone
However the youngster is said to have become frustrated with his lack of action. And it would seem that Bennett senses an opportunity to lure him away.
The Dragons are struggling following a 1-4 start to the season but Amone is overlooked more often that not. When he does get the nod, the young five-eighth has impressed. But that is not enough to earn him a regular start.
Coach Anthony Griffin is turning to more experienced heads and has suggested Amone’s time will come. Tyrell Sloan is in a similar boat but has just penned a new deal and his future is secure.
The same cannot be said of Amone, who is now a Dolphins target. Daily Telegraph journalist Buzz Rothfield claims that Amone is definitely on Bennett’s list of options.
“I do know that Wayne Bennett has reached out to Junior Amone in the last week,” Rothfield told NRL360. “He is after a halfback, he is after a five-eighth. I am sure he is not the only young half that Wayne is looking at.”
Dragons duo unhappy
Both Amone and Sloan are said to be unhappy at being dropped. But fellow journalist Paul Kent believes they need to suck it up and get on with it.
“Once you play first grade you then don’t have this divine right to stay in first grade for the rest of your career,” Kent said. “They should not be sulking around, get better.”
Amone, who can also play centre, made his debut in the 2021 NRL campaign. He would have been hoping to kick on this season but so far that is not the case. Now Bennett and the Dolphins are in the picture he could be considering his future.
The Red V are back in action when they face the Knights on Easter Sunday.