Half his luck: Donoghoe's key role as Dolphins reclaim their mojo

It was an important win in the context of their season, strengthening their grip on a spot in the eight and showing their resilience to bounce back from their 66-0 Round 19 defeat at the hands of the Sharks.

“There probably was a little bit of nerves there, but once the boys started rolling, I think we got into the groove of it and we got back to the way we were playing before (the Cronulla loss),” Donoghoe said.

“An important part of that game was being in that cycle and keeping the ball in play and I think as that happened, then our benchies were able to come on and reap the rewards of what our front rowers laid the platform of.”

It was one of the best performances of the year for Donoghoe who has had somewhat of a disrupted season to date, stemming from pre-season where he got his tonsils removed, before suffering a persistent hamstring complaint which has restricted him to only 10 appearances to far. 

“It hasn't been easy, I didn't have the best run in pre-season either," Donoghoe said.

“I think it's all just stemmed from that, so I'm happy just to be here playing whatever I can each week.

“I was only played limited minutes (tonight), but the fact that we're able to get out there and have some input, I was happy.

“So hopefully this little break helps me and I can get the body right to finish the year strong."

On his comfort in using his ball-playing skills, Donoghoe said it was his time playing there as a junior and the situation of the game that had him confident in inserting himself to help direct play. 

“I've got a background of playing in the halves, so 13 was sort of the spot where I could mix a bit of everything, ball play, play a bit of tough in the middle there," Donoghoe said. 

“I played five-eighth for Knights under 21s and … my whole juniors I was there in the halves and five-eighth.

“I think it goes with the way the game's going, is when I can start doing stuff like that.

“I think when I came on (against the Cowboys), the boys started winning the cycle and I was able to just play eyes up footy and play a bit more free.

“I wasn't having to come out of yardage and stuff like that, so I think the boys started turning the game and put me on the front foot to be able to do that sort of stuff.”

However, a permanent move there was not on the cards for the Fiji representative, who has played five-eighth and halfback at the international level.

“I think I'm in the middle now, I've put a bit of weight on," he said with a laugh.

This week, the Dolphins have the bye before getting back into action in Round 22 against the Dragons.