'Hard reset' needed for boom star to lift Dolphins

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).

How one star 'lost his way' amid Dolphins collapse

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).

'Ghosts' haunting Bennett swansong at Dolphins

Are the ghosts of 2023 coming back to haunt the Dolphins? Wayne Bennett's team look certain finalists a month ago but have lost three of their last four games and are now teetering on the brink. In their inaugural season, the Dolphins began sensationally before crashing and burning, finishing well out of finals reckoning. In a must-win game against the Titans on Sunday, the Phins started strongly and looked good things at 14-2 early. But the Titans, helped by a Des Hasler half time blast, scored 19 unanswered points to finish worthy winners. It doesn't get any easier for the Phins, with clashes against the Roosters, Warriors, Bulldogs and Storm in the next month.

Bunnies backflip as Bennett warms to signing De Belin

The Rabbitohs have renewed their bid to sign Dragons veteran Jack de Belin after he put Wayne Bennett's Dolphins to the sword on Sunday. The Rabbitohs expressed interest in de Belin weeks ago but then dropped off due to salary cap issues. But the powerhouse prop gave incoming Bunnies coach Wayne Bennett a close-up look at his strength and class at Kogarah. The 33-year-old was the best front-rower on the field as the Dragons downed Bennett's Dolphins 26-6. De Belin scored a try and made valuable yards up the middle to strengthen his case for a deal at Souths. But his hopes will depend on the cap - and whether Souths can offload halfback Lachlan Ilias, who has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs. The Dragons are still keen to re-sign de Belin, while there is also interest in his services in Super League.

Bennett 'blunder' leaves major cloud over Dolphins

Have the Dolphins brain trust and master coach Wayne Bennett blundered by coming into 2024 with a Dad's Army pack? The Dolphins were massive over-achievers early in their maiden season last year before running out of gas badly in the run to the finals. And they started the new year disastrously, thumped by the Cowboys 43-18 on Sunday afternoon. Four members of the Dolphins pack are over 30 - Jesse Bromwich (34), Felise Kaufusi (31), Kenny Bromwich (32) and Mark Nicholls (34) as well as 18th man Jarrod Wallace (32). Despite some fine signings over the summer, the Dolphins were simply run off their feet by their younger Cowboys opponents in the Brisbane heat in a one-sided affair. With a long season ahead, the ageing Dolphins pack may find the going very tough in coming months… time will tell. The Cowboys - such a bitter disappointment last season - bounced right back to their 2022 form in decimating the Dolphins. And one of the main reasons for the turnaround may well be the return of classy back-rower Jeremiah Nanai. The lanky forward - a guy who has genuine X-factor to him - missed a lot of games last year and the Cowboys suffered. The 21-year-old Kiwi played just 13 games last year and gave fans a reminder of his class against the Dolphins, scoring one try and laying on another in the big win. His presence gives the Cowboys' pack a much more menacing look and they look set for plenty of wins in the coming months.

Star's career on the line as Bennett verdict looms

Hot favourites for the wooden spoon before a ball was kicked in their maiden season in 2023, the Dolphins exceeded all expectations by finishing 13th.And the team was travelling superbly mid-season before injuries and lack of depth brought them undone and they crashed and burned, losing 10 of their last 12 games.Wayne Bennett and recruitment guru Peter O'Sullivan have worked hard to steady the ship, getting rid of some dead wood and signing three top-flight players in Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Thomas Flegler (Broncos) and Jake Averillo (Bulldogs). The Dolphins have the squad to make the finals this year - if they learn the lessons from their poor end to last season and have a good run with injury.But the Dolphins' greatest weapon last season - right from the shock first round defeat of the Roosters - was their ability to ambush rivals.They went into most games as underdogs and Bennett was able to get his troops to hustle and bustle their way to victory.That advantage is now gone - rivals enter games this year knowing they're are in for a tight tussle against Redcliffe and the underestimating factor is no more.

Tom Flegler reveals 'blunt' approach from Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett

Tom Flegler has revealed the "blunt" approach used by legendary coach Wayne Bennett, after the representative front-rower left the Broncos to join the Dolphins.The 24-year-old starred for Brisbane during its run to the NRL grand final last year, as well as playing two games for Queensland in the successful State of Origin series, further cementing himself as one of the game's best young enforcers.But the allure of playing one season under Bennett - who will move on from the top job at Redcliffe at the end of 2024 - proved to be too good an offer for Flegler to pass up.Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Flegler gave a brief insight into his simple negotiations with the seven-time premiership winning coach."Wayne is pretty blunt," the front-rower said."He just said 'Tom, we want you'. We had a few little chats, but we only spoke literally twice and with a resume like that, he doesn't need to say too much to get people over the line."His resume speaks for itself and he is probably the greatest coach in the game."To be able to come here and get a year under him and learn off him for a year was outstanding for me."Hopefully I can learn a few things off him and take them into the coming years."Flegler has already made 96 first grade appearances for Brisbane, coming through the dark times in 2020 and 2021 to become a leader at the club, before inking a multi-year agreement to join the Redcliffe-based franchise.In Flegler's absence, Broncos coach Kevin Walters will now be tasked with finding an adequate replacement for the Tully Tigers product - but it's not an issue Flegler is worried about."I don't really care," he said."It's not really my problem, to be honest. I don't really care what happens there."The 110kg middle forward was also quizzed on his own future without having Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan alongside him, but gave a stoic reply.

Dolphins gun's career resurrected

The Dolphins deserve praise on so many levels for their debut season, but special mention must go to winger Jamayne Isaako.For a player from a team that didn't make the finals to finish top point scorer AND top tryscorer is a remarkable feat - and Isaako did just that.The fleet-footed winger scored 230 points and 23 tries, with Wayne Bennett resurrecting his career after it appeared to stall over the last couple of seasons.Isaako is a genuine crowd pleaser - and can be counted on for plenty more tries and points next season when the Dolphins field a stronger squad.

Dolphins waiting for Mad Monday

Another club with work to do on their headspace over the summer is the Dolphins.Wayne Bennett's boys were the talk of the league early in their debut season, looking like finalists with their opening salvos.But injuries, suspensions and the wear and tear of their maiden year in the big league then hit the Dolphins - and hit them hard.The loss to the Cowboys on Friday night was their 10th defeat in their past 11 games and the boys from Redcliffe look like a team just waiting for Mad Monday next week.The Cowboys played some good footy to stay in the finals battle and now have to win next weekend and hope other results fall into place to qualify for September football.

Lockyer's theory behind icy Bennett interview

Darren Lockyer has given his take on that Wayne Bennett press conference — the two-and-a-half minutes of little more than frosty one-sentence answers after the Dolphins' loss to the Knights on Saturday.Lockyer applauded the lone journalist who peppered with questions the sternest figure in rugby league, and admitted that Bennett had a responsibility to be more generous with his responses given the NRL had taken the Dolphins-Knights clash to Perth in a bid to grow the game.But the legendary fullback and five-eighth, who played all of his footy under Bennett at the Broncos, also asked if the master coach felt disrespected by the journalists who did not attend the press conference, and suggested he may have been disgruntled by the lack of reporters in the room."We've all seen Wayne do this. When he gets in a mood he gets in a mood at a press conference," Lockyer said on Wide World of Sports' QLDER."I know the individual that sat there did a good job to just stay in the conversation with him, but equally, what was the reason for (the fact) there was only one journo in the room?"So, I mean, was there not enough respect paid to Wayne Bennett?"I'm not saying what he did was right, I think there was an error of judgement, but when Wayne's in a mood no one can tell him to change his mood."It's believed there was a smattering of reporters who were keen to attend the Bennett press conference but opted against it to catch the start of the second game at Perth Stadium, between the Rabbitohs and Sharks.The press conference was at its iciest after the reporter asked where the Dolphins were let down."You didn't watch the game?" Bennett fired."I watched the game," the journalist replied."Well you can write about it," the wily operator shot back."But just from your opinion?" added the reporter."I don't want to share it with you ... It's my opinion and I'm not really interested in sharing it."Having his say on the exchange on QLDER, Wally Lewis chuckled as he sympathised with the reporter."You can imagine how he would have felt, that lone journo. I mean, he must have thought that he was walking the plank, going out there, taking on the toughest character in rugby league to deal with," said Lewis, who played under Bennett at the Broncos between 1988 and 1990.

Bennett adds to Tigers' woes in chase for star brothers

In another blow to the embattled Tigers, the Dolphins have emerged as the new favourites to sign brilliant young Manly brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu.The pair, currently at Manly, are regarded among the hottest young properties in rugby league.They were expected to follow highly-regarded recruitment manager Scott Fulton, who recently left the Sea Eagles for the Tigers.But in the wake of the Tigers' dismal showings in recent weeks, the pair are now leaning towards the Dolphins, according to a source close to the brothers.They have met with Wayne Bennett, and the Dolphins coach and rugby league guru made a big impression on the pair.Latu is a halfback and the Tigers believe he could be the long-term successor to Luke Brooks, who will move to Manly in 2024.He signed rugby league's all-time biggest contract by a teenager three years ago at the age of 16.Back-rower Samuela has already played a handful of top grade games for Manly in the back row this season and looks a likely prospect.The pair's older brother, Manase, was a classy hooker with the Sea Eagles before being jailed for stabbing a man in 2019.

Journeyman Looks To Leave Dolphins

The Dolphins are in danger of losing experienced centre Brenko Lee to English club Wigan next season.Lee has played some good football for the Dolphins in their inaugural season despite being hampered by knee injuries.A former Junior Kangaroo, Lee is still only 27 but is a veteran of 10 years in the big league with the Raiders, Bulldogs, Titans, Storm, Broncos and now Dolphins and his career has been dogged by injury.He has one more year to run on his Dolphins deal but the club is expected to let him go if he secures a long-term deal at Wigan.

Wayne shuts down reporter after record loss

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett rejected the idea of elevating players from the Queensland Cup to replenish his injury-hit squad after their 40-point hammering to Manly on Friday night.The Dolphins were handed the biggest defeat of their 14-game existence when they were thumped 58-18 by the Sea Eagles.It was the second-worst defeat of Bennett's first-grade coaching career, with the Dolphins conceding 88 points in their past two losses.Adding to their woes are injuries to Brenko Lee (ankle) and Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder), with the duo joining teammates Sean O'Sullivan, Anthony Milford, Jarrod Wallace and Tom Gilbert on the sidelines.When asked if he would consider bringing in new faces into his team, the master coach shut down the suggestion."I'm not going to bring players in mate, I'm not going to do that, I'm not that type of coach," Bennett said."We've got a squad in there playing in the state league and we'll get to the end of the season and if we have to make some tough decisions then, then we'll make them."But right now I'm not going to bring people in and upset the ones I've already got here who played so well and done so much for us."We'll live with what we've got and get to the end of the season."Bennett conceded his side ran out of grit and determination, but said the bye will serve them well."We've been through so much and handled so much so well, I didn't think we'd play that way tonight," he said."Look, I don't think there's a team in the comp that doesn't have a bad game and we had ours tonight and I just hope it's our last one and we'll do everything we can to make sure it is our last one."The reality of the competition we're in is you're going to be up for a bit then you can find the scoreboard going against you and everything going against you."We just need to regroup right now and a week off will help us do that."

Roosters young gun fumes at 'rubbish' report

Young halfback Sam Walker has lashed out at reports he may leave the Roosters.A story on Friday claimed Walker had met with Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett and was pondering a move north.He hasn't played in the NRL since being axed three weeks ago, and now faces time in the casualty ward with a knee injury."It must have been some other white scrawny kid meeting with Wayne because it certainly wasn't me, that was rubbish," Walker told The Sydney Morning Herald."There have been plenty of rumours. The best one was me meeting Wayne. I can tell you I'm not going anywhere."

Nikorima's new lease on life under Bennett

There have been many success stories at the Dolphins this season - none more so than Kodi Nikorima.In and out of first grade in recent season, Nikorima was signed by Bennett's boys almost as an afterthought.Sean O'Sullivan was designated for the playmaking role but when he went down injured a few weeks ago, the spotlight fell upon the 29-year-old journeyman, currently at his fourth club.Nikorima was dynamic in the Dolphins' stunning 36-16 win over the Sharks on Saturday night, producing two try assists and making three line break assists.He's playing the best football of his nine-year NRL career - a testament to Bennett's magnificent man-management skills.

Lockyer's reality check in $1m Wighton pursuit

League legend Darren Lockyer has cautioned the NRL's newest team on breaking the bank to secure the services of Jack Wighton.Wighton sent the player market into a frenzy last week when he opted not to activate a contract clause with the Raiders for 2024.It instantly made him a free agent, and a number of clubs registered their interest in the 2020 Dally M Medallist.Leading the pack was the Dolphins, and supercoach Wayne Bennett confirmed they could spend upwards of $1 million a season to nab Wighton if they wanted to.Bennett was knocked back by a number of marquee players as he was building the club's inaugural roster - led by Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga.Wighton would certainly bring starpower to the club, but the question is where he would fit into Bennett's side.The 30-year-old plays five-eighth for the Raiders, but was formally a full-time fullback, and also plays at centre or off the bench at representative level."Jack is a quality player," Lockyer told Wide World of Sports' QLDER."I guess we don't know what their cap looks like, but if you could get him without breaking the bank... if you pay too much for Jack, it impacts you holding onto some of the younger kids coming through, then that's a bit different."If you can afford him and you can fit him into your team, well he is a quality player."The Dolphins have at least one of their long-term halves spots locked up, with teen star Isaiya Katoa showing his class since being handed a shock round one debut by Bennett.Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was brought to the club as its first-choice fullback, and at 21-years-old is still considered a raw talent with huge upside.The Dolphins have also signed Herbie Farnworth to be one of their centres from next season, and will be forking out plenty of money for he and fellow 2024 recruit Thomas Flegler."Katoa, they've shown they believe in him as a six. And they just signed Herbie, and it's very hard to fit two high-paid centres in your roster," Lockyer said.

Bennett's bold claim about ex-$1 million star

Wayne Bennett confirmed Anthony Milford will start at five-eighth for the Dolphins for an extended period, after halfback Sean O'Sullivan suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the 18-12 loss to Brisbane.Milford, a 207-game veteran, hadn't played NRL since August last year but was rushed into the side at No.6 against the Broncos on Friday, after 19-year-old Isaiya Katoa was still suffering the effects of an elbow injury.The former Bronco turned in a solid performance, setting up a try for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow with a neat grubber, and kept his line in defence.The 28-year-old was a mainstay of Bennett's Broncos team from 2015 to 2018 but started this season in Queensland Cup after Katoa outplayed him in pre-season. Katoa was close to playing the Broncos and is tipped to take the field against the Dragons In Wollongong."There is a good opportunity for him now," Bennett said of Milford."He did enough tonight to make me happy enough to keep him there."Isaiya will probably come into halfback. We made him into a five-eighth but he is a halfback, Isaiya."Bennett said O'Sullivan will be out for a "little while" after the playmaker came off the field in the 61st minute. The team was already without the suspended Jeremy Marshall-King, and then lost experienced utility Kodi Nikorima with a deep cut to the head in the 26th minute, just two minutes after he had come on.That left Mason Teague and Ray Stone to share the dummy-half role, with neither of them regular No.9s."If we'd had a hooker we would have done a hell of a lot more," Bennett said.

Bennett's Dolphins Experience Setback with Kaufusi Injury

Felise Kaufusi, the Dolphins forward, will not be available for the highly anticipated Brisbane derby against the Brisbane Broncos next weekend. This is due to a three-match suspension he received from the NRL match review committee. During Friday's 36-20 win over the Newcastle Knights, Kaufusi was sin-binned and put on report twice. He was put on report for a high shot and handed his marching orders five minutes later for a late hit on Newcastle halfback Jackson Hastings, who was sent for an HIA due to whiplash.The NRL match review committee charged Kaufusi with a Grade 2 charge for "dangerous contact" on Saturday morning. As this was his third offence, he received a three-match suspension on an early plea.

Knights coach Adam O'Brien stated in the post-match press conference that Kaufusi's late shot probably warranted a sin bin, but he refused to comment on whether he thought Hastings should have been forced off for an HIA. Meanwhile, Knights centre Lucas Dylan received a $1500 fine for his crusher tackle on Euan Aitken.When asked about Kaufusi's availability for the next match, Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett stated that he was more worried about the veteran forward's handling errors. He jokingly added that Kaufusi should stay out of his way for a couple of days as he won't be happy to see his face.The Dolphins, who have started their season with three consecutive wins, are now preparing for the match against Bennett's former club at Suncorp Stadium next weekend. Bennett said that there was no pressure this week, and the derby was the easiest game in the world to coach. The match is scheduled for Friday, March 24, at 8 pm AEDT.

'Hammer' continues Dolphins' NRL ambush

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is fast becoming one of the NRL's personality players.The cheeky fullback bagged two tries in Saturday night's brave win over Canberra.Throw in 164 run metres, plenty of sledging of big Raiders forwards and some great takes under pressure and it's easy to see why the Redcliffe faithful have embraced the speedy fullback after just two games.The Dolphins are the best story to hit the game in years, becoming only the third expansion club since 1908 to win their opening two games.The laconic Wayne Bennett masterminded yet another ambush after last week's stunning upset over the Roosters and the Dolphins thoroughly deserved their 20-14 win.

Dolphins create history in stunning debut

The Dolphins' 28-18 win over the Roosters is as stunning a scoreline as I have seen in the past 20 years.On paper, the game seemed a mismatch with the Roosters team full of Test and Origin players against a line-up many regarded as a 'spare parts' side put together by Wayne Bennett.But games aren't played on paper and the Dolphins out-enthused and out-thought a rattled Roosters team.Veteran prop Mark Nicholls - who many thought was past his prime - led the way with 165 metres and a vital try as he took the game to the respected Roosters pack.Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was brilliant at fullback, new five-eighth Isaiya Katoa justified his selection ahead of Anthony Milford and halfback Sean O'Sullivan steered the new chums around the park with the class of a veteran.It was a vintage Wayne Bennett ambush and the veteran coach could ALMOST be seen cracking a smile after the memorable win.