Kaufusi’s simple solution for floundering Dolphins

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Kaufusi’s simple solution for floundering Dolphins

Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi has a simple answer to how his side can get their NRL campaign back on track and play finals.

“Winning solves everything,” Kaufusi grinned, in a response of pure simplicity that would have been music to his coach Wayne Bennett’s ears.

The Dolphins have lost seven of their last nine to slip two points outside the top eight, where they were situated from round two until round 21.

Six of those losses have been by seven points or less. Four wins from the next five games are necessary to get to 32 points and a maiden finals appearance, starting with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

The Dolphins have been brought undone by their dire second halves. In recent weeks Bennett has used terms like “self-destruct” and “making errors under 10s wouldn’t make” to describe what has occurred. The bottom line is the Dolphins have forgotten how to win and need to start remembering.

They trailed 12-0, unusually, against the Sydney Roosters last week but led 26-20 early in the second half before losing 40-34.

“Our second halves have been our Achilles heel,” Kaufusi said.

“We’ve found ourselves in good positions and slipped away.

“We’re trying to address that. We started slow last week and you can’t give the good sides a lead like that.

“We’ve got to learn from it. We haven’t been in those positions too much.”

Bennett has also had a simple message for the team.

“Don’t give up,” Kaufusi said.

“We’ve still got five games to go and we’re in the hunt.

“I’ve got the belief. We’re just out of touch. A winning game or two will get us back in there.”

The Dolphins want to send out retiring skipper and warhorse prop Jesse Bromwich a winner.

“We’re all playing for the big fella,” Kaufusi said.

“He’s been awesome for the Dolphins. He’s our skipper and who we look up to.

“He’s been a big leader for us.We’re doing our best.”

The Warriors, who must win all their remaining games to play finals, will also farewell retiring half Shaun Johnson at season’s end.

“He will be a big loss for the game but his legacy and what he leaves behind is awesome,” Kaufusi said.

“I’m sure he’s looking forward to finishing the year off as best as he can and it gives them more motivation to send him out as best as they can too.”

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