Bennett returns to the Dolphins for the highly anticipated NRL blockbuster.

Wayne Bennett used a common remark two months ago to dampen the excitement surrounding the Dolphins and South Sydney’s guaranteed round one matchup for the next season.

At the Dolphins’ presentation night, Bennett remarked, “I am sure there will be a lot of interest in the Rabbitohs versus Dolphins next year, but one thing you can bet on is that I won’t be buying into the bulls.

On March 7, the former Dolphins coach, who is currently leading the Rabbitohs, will return to Suncorp Stadium for a Friday night match that is expected to draw a crowd of at least 40,000 people.

After a smooth transition after Bennett’s departure, his former assistant Kristian Woolf will coach his first NRL match. Terry Reader, the CEO of the Dolphins, described it as “a wonderful way to kick off 2025” for members and supporters.

“We welcome Wayne back and Woolfy will be there in his first official game as our head coach, even though he’s been here from the start,” Reader told the Associated Press. “One aspect of rugby league is that it offers narratives and storylines.

On that first night, Woolfy and Wayne will undoubtedly want to outdo one another and, more significantly, get their teams off to a winning start. What a moment.