For the second straight season, the demanding NRL schedule just proved too much for the NRL's new chums. The Dolphins looked like finals contenders for the first half of the season - just as they did in their inaugural year in 2023 - before crashing and burning. Injuries hit them hard in the run home and they won just four of their last 14 games. Despite the collapse, they were in the hunt until the last game of the regular season, going down to the Knights away 14-6 in a brave finale. Lack of depth hurt the club but considering they were only in their second season, that is to be expected and they can still hold their heads up high. They played a bright, breezy brand of football, throwing the ball around fearlessly, much to the delight of their fans. The freakish Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow again showed himself to be one of the league's real crowd pleasers, zooming over for 15 tries in 16 games - many of them length of the field efforts. Emerging winger Jack Bostock (14), flying winger Jamayne Isaako (12), the versatile Jake Averillo (11) and new boy Herbie Farnworth (8) were also regulars on the tryscoring sheet in an indication of the free-flowing style that proved the Dolphins' strength. Pint-sized fullback Trai Fuller was among the finds of the season and his fearless running quickly made him a fan favourite. Utility back Kodi Nikorima enjoyed one of his best seasons and young half Isaiya Katoa had a great start to the year but lost confidence as the losses piled up. In the forwards, the Bromwich brothers gave great service and Jesse, who is retiring, will be missed. Injuries cruelled the Phins up front with marquee signing Thomas Flegler playing just four games and busy prop Jarrod Wallace two. Max Plath was one of the league's most improved players in a breakout season and veteran Mark Nicholls was reliable and strong.
Dolphins: 2023 finish: 13th | 2024 finish: 10th
2025 gains: Junior Tupou (Wests Tigers), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys)
2025 losses: Tevita Pangai Junior (Catalans), Euan Aitken (Rabbitohs), Jesse Bromwich (retired), Lachlan Hubner (Rabbitohs).
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