New kids on the block the Dolphins will start their 2023 season with a bang, hosting the Sydney Roosters in what is set to be a huge clash at Suncorp Stadium.
The first new team to enter into the NRL since the Gold Coast Titans in 2007, the Dolphins have already built a strong fan base and will bring a new dimension to the competition.
The side will also look to shake up the south-east corner with a ready-made rivalry with the Brisbane Broncos building.
Under the guidance of coach Wayne Bennett, the peninsula team have assembled that classic rugby league cliché of ‘youth and experience’, and with their affiliate agreement with the Central Queensland Capras, the club are aiming to provide regional players the opportunity to pursue their NRL goals.
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Predicted Round 1 team
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Jamayne Isaako
- Tesi Niu
- Euan Aitken
- Robert Jennings
- Anthony Milford
- Sean O’Sullivan
- Jesse Bromwich
- Jeremy Marshall-King
- Tom Gilbert
- Felise Kaufusi
- Kenny Bromwich
- Ray Stone
- Kodi Nikorima
- Herman Ese’ese
- Mark Nicholls
- Jarrod Wallace
Other: Brenko Lee, Edrick Lee (injured), Isaiya Katoa, Valynce Te Whare, Oliver Gildart, JJ Collins, Mason Teague, Poasa Faamausili, Connelly Lemuelu, Harrison Graham (development), Michael Roberts (development), Jeremiah Simbiken (development), Jack Bostock (development).
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Squad watch
- Squad spots filled: 26/30
The Dolphins have gathered an impressive group of forwards, headlined by former Storm trio Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi, who all have representative experience and will guide the pack.
Some of the young guns looking to press for starting spots include former Cowboy Tom Gilbert, while players like Jarrod Wallace and Mark Nicholls will be aiming to make their mark at their new club.
With four spots remaining in their top 30 following the signing of former Bronco Tesi Niu, the club could bolster their depth in the outside backs and may also look to sign another dummy half, with Jeremy Marshall-King the only established hooker in the squad.
Keep an eye out for former Wynnum Manly Seagulls rake Harrison Graham, who is on a development contract and was one of the first players signed on to the club, to push for an NRL debut year.
Health watch
Winger Edrick Lee has suffered an ankle injury at training and looks set to miss the opening couple of games.
Development player Harrison Graham suffered a medial ligament injury in the Pre-season Challenge and will spend some time on the sidelines.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Brenko Lee played in the Pre-season Challenge and are on track for Round 1.
Most contentious position
The make-up of the backline will be one to watch battle with the centre battle alone a major one for the coaching staff with Oliver Gildart, Tesi Niu and Brenko Lee all pushing for a start.
Bennett appears to have already settled on his spine with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Anthony Milford, Sean O'Sullivan and Jeremy Marshall-King set to get first crack.
Biggest strength
The club boast a number of representative forwards and some exciting young prospects in their wider squad, but you can’t go past coach Wayne Bennett as their greatest strength.
The former Broncos, Dragons, Knights and Rabbitohs mentor has assembled some talented staff around him including in-demand coaching talent Kristian Woolf.
The 'supercoach' has also recruited a number of players who have previously played what is widely considered their best rugby league under him and he will be working to unlock the skills of signings like Anthony Milford and Brenko Lee who have both played State of Origin and international football when in good form.
Biggest question mark
The biggest question mark for the Dolphins is entirely based around the fact they are a new team with no history or form in the competition who come in with an entirely clean slate.
While some players have played with each other at other NRL clubs or at the representative level, building combinations takes time.
With an expectant fan base already building behind them, coupled with a tough opening two rounds of matches against top eight teams and a local derby in Round 4 against a Broncos side determined to show their new ‘little brother’ who is boss, time is a luxury they don’t have.
Pre-season Challenge information
- February 4: Dolphins v Capras at Marley Brown Oval, Gladstone
- February 12: Dolphins v Cowboys at Barlow Park, Cairns
- February 19: Dolphins v Titans at Kayo Stadium