The Dolphins showed in their first two seasons that on their day, they are capable of matching even the best teams in the NRL. But the challenge for new coach Kristian Woolf and his troops is to find a way to make those days come more often in 2025. In both their previous campaigns under Wayne Bennett, the Dolphins were in the top eight at the halfway mark of the season only to fall away under the pressure of a long season. Woolf hasn't mucked around since taking over, getting rid of a host of dead wood and bringing in four players who will add depth and strength in Junior Tupou (Wests Tigers), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Daniel Saifiti (Knights) and Max Feagai (Dragons). In Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, the Dolphins have much more than one of the NRL's glamour players. 'The Hammer' is arguably the most dangerous player in the game with the football in hand in his own half, regularly scoring 70 and 80 metre tries with his electric pace. The outside backs are the Dolphins' strength - Herbie Farnworth is as good as any centre in the league while Jack Bostock, Jake Averillo and Jamayne Isaako are all noted tryscorers. Halves Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa can be a little hot/cold but if the forwards lay the foundation, they are capable of giving their outside men time and space. Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King is a classy No.9 out of dummy half and the pack are all hard workers capable of rattling the more fancied teams in the race.
2025 gains: Junior Tupou (Wests Tigers), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Daniel Saifiti (Knights), Max Feagai (Dragons).
2025 losses: Tevita Pangai Junior (Catalans), Edrick Lee (retired), Euan Aitken (Rabbitohs), Jarrod Wallace (retired), Jesse Bromwich (retired), Tesi Niu (Leigh Leopards), Valynce Te Whare (Japanese rugby), Jeremiah Simbiken (Castleford Tigers), Anthony Milford (unsigned), Robert Jennings (unsigned).
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