With Jamie Humphreys suspended and Jonah Glover nursing a broken jaw, South Sydney sought an exemption from the NRL to field NSW Cup playmaker Ward in Sunday's round-one clash against the Dolphins.
The diminutive 22-year-old tips the scales at less than 75kg, placing him among the smallest players across the league.
But Bennett is confident Ward's slight shoulders can carry the weight of expectation that comes with the No.7 jersey, likening the Gerringong product's frame to that of a champion playmaker from earlier in his coaching career.
"Allan Langer was 72kg when he played, and he's 73," the Souths coach said.
Ward was a surprise shining light playing six games towards the end of Souths' season of injury carnage last year and showed even more promise in the big pre-season defeat of Manly last month.
"He impressed me last year when he got the opportunity to play first grade. This time last year, I didn't think he'd be anywhere near first grade," Bennett said.
"He's much better this year, much more mature.
"His decision making and his confidence in himself (have improved), being able to tell the players from time to time what he wants them to do or where he wants them to be."
The other side of the field also has Bennett excited with Souths preparing to debut what could be the league's most potent left edge.
Latrell Mitchell's full-time move to left centre and the arrival of ex-Queensland representative David Fifita will give five-eighth Cody Walker extra firepower next to winger Alex Johnston.
Johnston is three tries from passing Ken Irvine's mark of 212 four-pointers and becoming the most prolific tryscorer in competition history.
"I really hope they can entertain the rugby league world this year," Bennett said of his left edge.
"It's pretty powerful if we get it right. We've got to get it right. There's a bit of work to do there yet."
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf is urging similar patience with Thomas Flegler, who has finally shaken off a serious shoulder injury to line up for his first NRL game since April 2024.
"We signed him as one of the best front-rowers in the competition," Woolf said.
"We're going to have to be a little bit patient, he hasn't played for two years, but I think he showed in the trials that he's ready to go and ready to make an impact."
