Dolphins CEO Terry Reader has hit back at critics of outgoing head coach Wayne Bennett and suggestions the team’s form slump and possibility of missing the finals for a second-straight season had anything to do Bennett signing with South Sydney for 2025.

The Dolphins have won just one of their last six games and sit 10th – two points out of the top eight with two games to play.

“I think anyone who has ever met Wayne or worked with Wayne, to think he’s not invested in what’s going on here is actually offensive,” Reader told SENQ.

“He’ll leave a legacy here as our inaugural coach and if you don’t think he wants to play finals and finish the season off with the Dolphins [well] Wayne’s a winner, he’s all in on what’s happening.

“We’re only two years old, so I think that criticism is a bit unfair on Wayne.”

The Dolphins play 9th placed Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.