The romance of watching the 108kg wrecking ball, affectionately known as 'Val Meninga', is not over by a long shot for Dolphins fans, but regular elite performance is all that counts in the NRL and reality has bitten rookie Te Whare on the backside. His time has come.
The 22-year-old former rugby union winger had not played competitive rugby league until last year and has captured the imagination of the Dolphins faithful with his big-hearted and blockbusting displays in his 10 NRL games this season.
With Brisbane centre Herbie Farnworth and Canterbury's versatile outside back Jake Averillo joining the Dolphins next year, Te Whare needs to fire in the remaining four rounds.
"It is in his hands," Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett said ahead of Saturday night's clash at Sydney Roosters.
"If he's playing (good) footy he'll get the opportunity. If he's not doing the training and the stuff that has got to be done then that will determine his future after this month."
Bennett grinned and referred to his "Mal Meninga lookalike" when asked about Te Whare's development this year, with his eight line breaks and six tries.
He's had his ups, such as his try double on NRL debut against Cronulla in the 36-16 win in the NRL's Magic Round.
He's also had his downs, like last week when he missed six tackles in the 30-28 loss to Newcastle.
Bennett said Te Whare's temperament was on his side when dealing with the NRL rollercoaster.
"I don't think he worries about too much to be honest with you. He has just got that personality," Bennett said.
"If it is going good, he's happy. If it is going bad, he is still happy. He is a young player and he has got potential, but potential kills coaches.
"At the end of the day, he has got to become a regular first grader on his ability to get the job done.
"That is his challenge between here and the end of the season. If he can finish up with a pretty good end of the season he is someone we'll be looking for next year to start the season."
Te Whare is off contract at the end of 2024. Bennett said his future was at centre or wing, not in the forwards.
"He is a power athlete. He's not an endurance athlete. Big tackle counts in the forwards are not going to help him," Bennett said.
"He's got to lose a bit of weight and (commit) himself to his diet. Has he got the skills? Yes. He's got a really good skill-set.
"It's on show every week, his athleticism. We all see that. There are things in his game he has got to get better. That is his journey in the next month."
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