Forward Jai Arrow was excellent in his comeback game from a hamstring injury, especially early in the second half with a couple of damaging runs and offloads. The only knock on Arrow is his hairstyle, which has taken another turn for the worse. Demetriou liked the way Arrow took some of the load off Damien Cook and Cam Murray.

Cody Walker was in everything with Demetriou declaring: “When he gets himself in the game like he does, he’s the best five-eighth in the game.”

Back rower Keaon Koloamatangi failed to finish the game for Souths because of an ankle injury, and Davvy Moale was placed on report for tripping Jamayne Isaako.

There will be claims Graham may have shoved Euan Aitken out of the way en route to his second try, but replays showed he only ever had eyes for the ball.

Bennett was left confused and said: “It was a push in the back. Euan is allowed to run the line he was running, he was going back towards the ball ... [but] decision made, move on. We can’t do anything about it now.”

Winger Izaac Thompson should be available for next Thursday’s clash against the Panthers, while Junior Tatola, who was initially feared to be out of action for a month with a knee injury, could also be available.

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As good as they were in the second half, Souths again blew the start - something they have addressed in recent weeks, but still failed to rectify. The teams they meet in the coming weeks will not be as forgiving.

Murray said afterwards: “We started slowly, which is pretty characteristic of us this year, but I’m proud we managed to regroup at half-time, simplify our mindset and come out and play some good footy and play the way we came here to play.”

Bennett looked set to pull off another miracle win for the competition newcomers. They led by eight at the break, but could have easily been further in front. The 23,280 fans - a healthy portion were wearing red and green - sensed another Dolphins boilover.

Aitken was over after two minutes after Tass had spilled the ball. Some Mitchell magic to hold up the ball and put Graham over for the first of two tries got the Bunnies back level, only for the Dolphins to hit back again via Jeremy Marshall-King.

The Dolphins host Gold Coast next Sunday. Bennett will dust himself off. Souths and Demetriou march on.

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