“Obviously, it’s never easy to take [Katoa’s axing], he’s had a good preseason too, but it’s just a decision the coaches have to make. He did really well for us last year, he’s only 20 years old, and he’s got a long career ahead of him.

“Everyone has their ups and downs, he’s really young and has quite a future ahead of him. It’s not easy to be an NRL player … every player has been through it, they get dropped at some stage, so I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

While the Dolphins official squad to take on the North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday afternoon will not be unveiled until 4pm, Bennett gave telling indications of who would wear the colours at Kayo Stadium.

Two-game youngster Max Plath and Ray Stone both look set to be included in the injury absence of standout lock Tom Gilbert, with the former also seen training at hooker, thus suggesting he could carry the utility mantle.

And despite the recruitment of former Bulldogs star Jake Averillo, Tesi Niu appears to have won the right to line up with Herbie Farnworth in the centres, having lost eight kilograms and responding emphatically to some stern messaging from the coaching staff.

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Niu was sent away for an individual boot camp to undergo extensive fitness training with renowned boxing mentor Mark “Chopper” Burgess, and was fighting for his future as he came off contract at the end of 2024.

But after starting in all three Dolphins’ trials, the 22-year-old was primed to make a telling impression, Bromwich said.

“With Tesi, I know the coaches sat him down at the start of the preseason and had a few words for him and wanted him to hit a few goals,” Bromwich said.