The Warriors have come under the microscope for illegal blocks on Jack Bostock, with Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf reaching out to the NRL over the matter.
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The Dolphins may have won Saturday’s qualifying final against the Warriors, but that doesn’t mean they are just going to accept Bostock’s treatment as they now prepare for a preliminary final clash with the Sharks or Roosters.
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Instead, referees will be watching either of those teams with a keen eye come next weekend after Bostock was illegally blocked from catching high balls on three occasions last Saturday.
The first came early in the game, with Bostock visibly frustrated as both Adam Pompey and Alofiana Khan-Pereira shielded him from contesting a kick.
Then in the 29th minute it was Kurt Capewell and Chanel Harris-Tavita, with Bostock desperately trying to fight his way through the two-man wall and collecting Khan-Pereira high as a result.
Finally, Harris-Tavita was again caught trying to stop Bostock from getting a clean path to the ball before his try to seal the Dolphins’ win.
Bostock was even warned by referee Adam Gee at one point for his constant complaining, but it seems like he was warranted in feeling hard done by.
Bostock doesn’t get a clean grab at the ball.Source: FOX SPORTSBostock then was penalised for a high shot.Source: FOX SPORTSTwo Warriors players block Bostock.Source: FOX SPORTSJack Bostock was not happy.Source: FOX SPORTS
NRL sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald that all three incidents should have resulted in Dolphins penalties.
The same sources told the publication that the NRL would be reminding the referee for next week’s preliminary final to make sure any illegal escorts are penalised.
“The rules around walls and escorts are in place so we don’t take elite catchers and elite athleticism out of the game,” Woolf told The Herald.
“I’ll be contacting the NRL to find out why it was allowed to happen to Jack.
“We got the reward in the end for being consistent with what we were doing [with Bostock], but we also need to rely on the referees making the opposition abide by the rules.”
DOLPHINS EXTEND KEY DEPTH DUO
Elsewhere, while the Dolphins have a host of big names coming off-contract at the end of next year they have moved to lock up two important depth pieces.
Both Tevita Naufahu and Brad Schneider have extended their time at the club, with Naufahu signing a two-year extension that will keep him at the Dolphins until the end of 2029 while Schneider is staying put until 2028.
Naufahu in particular is a handy player for the Dolphins to have around given they will find it hard to keep Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Naufahu has struggled to crack the Dolphins’ first-choice backline but will immediately slot in at centre or on the wing should an opening come up.
As for Schneider, he is a solid back-up half with the Dolphins committed to Isaiya Katoa and George Williams as their starting combination for 2027.
But if injuries strike, as has been the case this year with Katoa, Schneider has proven he can at least be a serviceable option.
Farnworth fully focused on finals footy | 00:41
“Tevita and Brad have both made important contributions to our team this season and we are delighted to have them extend their time at the Dolphins,” Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said.
“Tevita is only 20 years old and has already shown what he is capable of at NRL level. He has continued to develop throughout the year and we are excited about what lies ahead for him.
“Brad has been a great addition to our squad and has shown his value every time he has taken the field. He has provided us with quality and depth in the halves and has made a real impact in his first season at the club.
“We are pleased to have both players committed to the Dolphins as we continue to build our squad for the seasons ahead.”
TIGERS LOCK DOWN YOUNG GUN
In other news, the Tigers have extended impressive young centre Solomone Saukuru on a two-year deal.
It caps a rapid rise for Saukuru, who had been a try-scoring machine in NSW Cup for the Western Suburbs Magpies before making his NRL debut in Round 24.
Saukuru carried that try-scoring form into the top grade, scoring four tries in four games.
He will have a battle on his hands for playing time with Heamasi Makasini benefiting from another pre-season to refine his craft and build his frame, while versatile Dolphins gun Jake Averillo is also on the way to the Tigers.
Solomone Saukuru of the Tigers. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Regardless, it is a just reward for Saukuru, who said he is “excited” to be staying at a club that “means so much to me”.
“To be able to come through the Wests Tigers Pathways system and then make my NRL debut for the club is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Saukuru added.
“I’m really enjoying playing under Coach Benji Marshall and look forward to further developing my skills here.”
Tigers coach Benji Marshall called Saukuru a “very talented young player”, adding he is looking forward to helping the 21-year-old “reach his potential”.
“He’s still only at the beginning of his NRL career, so there’s plenty of hard work ahead,” Marshall added.