Felise Kaufusi has credited a stunning pledge by Wayne Bennett to pull the Dolphins jersey on himself and a trademark act by his former teammate Brandon "Cheese" Smith for inspiring his stellar display in the Dolphins' inaugural 28-18 win over the Sydney Roosters.
Second-rower Kaufusi's match-turning defensive display secured him the Artie Legacy Medal in honour of the late Arthur Beetson, who reached the greatest heights with the Dolphins and Roosters in his stellar career.
Trailing 12-6 at Suncorp Stadium, Kaufusi crunched Roosters hooker Smith, his former Melbourne teammate, and Roosters forward Egan Butcher. Both tackles secured turnovers, with the second leading to a Dolphins try on the cusp of half-time.