Jamayne Isaako and Tevita Pangai Junior are set to be named for the upcoming clash against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium this weekend. Both players underwent scans yesterday, which indicated they might be fit for the 2pm kickoff on Sunday.
Isaako sustained a rolled ankle in a narrow defeat to the Roosters in Perth. The scans revealed a left ankle ligament injury, and Isaako will participate in a rehabilitation run on Thursday. If he successfully completes this run, he will have the opportunity to prove his fitness during the Dolphins’ captain’s run on Saturday.
Similarly, Pangai Junior missed the Roosters game due to a calf problem. He has a low-grade calf strain and will also follow a rehabilitation protocol this week.
Meanwhile, Kodi Nikorima, who missed the Perth game due to illness, trained strongly today and is expected to play against the Warriors.
In other news, the National Rugby League (NRL) announced that Wayne Bennett and Jack Gibson would be the first coaches inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame. Additionally, Ken Arthurson and John Quayle will be inducted as Contributors, along with broadcast icons Frank Hyde and David Morrow.
Wayne Bennett is the longest-serving coach in the history of the game, having coached 933 games over his career with teams including Canberra, Brisbane, St George Illawarra, Newcastle, South Sydney, and the Dolphins. Bennett has coached for 37 seasons at the premiership level, winning seven premiership titles—six with the Brisbane Broncos and one with St George Illawarra. He also coached Queensland to seven State of Origin series wins and had stints coaching Australia, England, Great Britain, and was an advisor for New Zealand during their 2008 World Cup win.
Jack Gibson won five premiership titles as a coach, with Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta, boasting a winning percentage of 62.2% from 245 victories in 394 games. His coaching career spanned 20 years across several teams, including Eastern Suburbs, St George, Newtown, South Sydney, Parramatta, and Cronulla. He also led New South Wales to a series victory in 1990.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM highlighted the significance of recognizing Bennett and Gibson’s extraordinary contributions to the game. He praised Bennett for his ability to manage players from diverse backgrounds and elevate their performance, and Gibson for his innovative coaching style and successful risk-taking.
Frank Hyde, a legendary broadcaster, transitioned from refereeing to calling 31 consecutive grand finals on Sydney radio station 2SM, among other notable broadcasting achievements. David Morrow, another iconic broadcaster, is celebrated for his wit, insight, and knowledge during his time with ABC and 2GB.
V’landys lauded Hyde as a pioneer in rugby league broadcasting, remembered for his distinctive goal-kicking commentary. Morrow was recognized for his significant contributions and respected voice in the game.
Ken Arthurson, a former player, coach, and administrator for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, served as ARL chairman from 1983 to 1997 and NSWRL chairman from 1987 to 1997. He was honored with a member of the Order of Australia in 1988 for his service to rugby league. John Quayle, a former Australian representative player, served as general manager of the NSWRL from 1983 and was the game’s leading CEO until 1997. He oversaw key changes, including the expansion of the competition and the introduction of a salary cap.
V’landys remarked on the fitting recognition of Arthurson and Quayle together, noting their strong leadership and navigation of the game through significant periods. Quayle’s progressive administration and iconic marketing campaigns, like the Tina Turner promotion, were highlighted. Arthurson’s vast experience in the game was acknowledged for guiding rugby league through both challenging and prosperous times.
The formal inductions for the Hall of Fame will take place on Wednesday, August 21, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The ceremony will celebrate the inductees’ contributions to rugby league and honor their lasting impact on the sport.
This weekend’s game and the Hall of Fame inductions underscore the dynamic and storied nature of rugby league, celebrating both current players’ resilience and the lasting legacies of past contributors. The anticipation for Isaako and Pangai Junior’s potential return to the field and the recognition of Bennett, Gibson, Arthurson, Quayle, Hyde, and Morrow in the Hall of Fame reflect the rich history and promising future of the NRL.
