But after a poor showing against North Queensland, Bennett’s cutthroat approach has claimed its first pair of victims.

Tesi Niu has been unseated in the centres by recruit Jake Averillo, and rookie halfback Isaiya Katoa comes in for Sean O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan’s exclusion embodies Bennett’s perform-or-perish mentality, as he appeared the most reliable and composed figure of the Dolphins’ scrum base options.

Aitken believed the bombshell decisions epitomised the mentality of the squad, and spoke volumes of the standards they were striving for.

“It makes you a lot more accountable,” Aitken said as he prepared to take on his former side.

“There’s plenty of depth in this team, and [Bennett] is not scared to swing the axe if people are underperforming.

“It puts us on notice, but at the same time it gives everyone else an opportunity to make sure they can play their best footy.”

Aitken was set to link up inside Katoa and Averillo at Kayo Stadium when they clashed with St George-Illawarra in a new look left-edge.

Just one campaign into his NRL career, Katoa garnered 22 caps in the Dolphins’ inaugural campaign – managing eight try assists but failing to cement himself in the main side.

That much was clear in his round-one omission in favour of O’Sullivan and five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, but his efforts for Tonga at the end of last year suggested a more confident young man was developing.

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Despite losing all three games in the Test series against England, the 20-year-old looked to take the game on in a way he never managed consistently at club-land.

While he averaged 46 running metres an outing for the Dolphins, that figure jumped to 107 metres on the international stage, and Aitken declared it was a sign of things to come, particularly as they sought to emulate the ploy of going through the hands on last play that the Cowboys used against them.

“That’s a great sign of someone who wants to take themselves to the game. He’s going to run a bit more and has great skills with his passing game,” Aitken said.

“It keeps defences guessing, and it makes sure that it gets him into the game as well.

“He’s a great kid, he’s already had a year of first-grade under his belt so … he needs to take a step up with his leadership and direction around the team, especially with Sean going.”