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Brotherly clash won't be issue for Phins' Marshall-King

3 minute read

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett says hooker Jeremy Marshall-King lining up against his brother, Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall, will have no impact on his form.

Coach WAYNE BENNETT.
Coach WAYNE BENNETT. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Wayne Bennett has rubbished suggestions Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King would have any extra motivation up against his brother Benji Marshall, who will coach Wests Tigers on Saturday night.

Marshall-King has been one of the Dolphins' best players since the club's inception.

While the 28-year-old has spoken of how he idolises his older brother, Bennett said it would be business as usual at Suncorp Stadium when the two in-form teams clash.

"He's not playing against him. His brother is sitting up in the coaching box. It won't be an issue for him," Bennett said.

"(Marshall-King) is a wonderful player. I love working with him. He is a great player to have around the team. He is no fuss ... no drama.

"He is really, really competent. I can't believe we picked him up as easy as we did. He brings a lot, a huge amount."

The clash doubles as prop Thomas Flegler's 100th NRL match.

The Queensland forward, recruited from Brisbane in the off-season, has been at his fiery best for the Dolphins without crossing the line as he did in his early years when he was suspended too often.

"It's pretty cool to rack up 100 games in the NRL," Flegler said.

"Hopefully there's a few more to come but it's a big milestone.

"Over the last few years I've got a bit better on the discipline side of things and hopefully I can continue that."

Bennett also hopes 20-year-old half Isaiya Katoa can continue the form he has displayed in big wins over St George Illawarra and Gold Coast.

When asked what he was liking about Katoa, the mastercoach was at his whimsical best.

"It is a good question if I am liking him. The jury is out on that right now," Bennett grinned.

"We'll just wait and see if he can have three good games."

Bennett said he had been impressed with Wests Tigers and Marshall, who he coached at the Broncos and South Sydney. Both sides have won two of their past three matches.

"It is a great club Wests Tigers," Bennett said.

"They have been in the competition a long time under two different names and came together after the Super League war and won a premiership.

"I want to see all clubs succeed. We have our turns at the top and bottom. I am pleased for (Marshall) and pleased for them that they have won their last two games."

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