Serious Dolphins question that must be asked

Has the Dolphins' bubble burst? The question has to be asked - not so much because of their back-to-back losses but due to injuries to playmakers Sean O'Sullivan and Anthony Milford.In their stunning three-game winning run to start their debut season, the Dolphins barely suffered an injury.But the NRL season is a marathon and not a sprint and there have been questions about the Dolphins' depth since they announced their 30-man squad.And it doesn't get any easier next weekend with a trip to Townsville to take on the Cowboys in another Queensland derby.

Cleary's understudy starring for Dolphins

Sean O'Sullivan was great as a fill-in for Nathan Cleary at Penrith last year, but his game has gone to a whole new level at the Dolphins in 2023.O'Sullivan wasn't the Dolphins' first-choice at halfback for their maiden season, or even their second - but he's proved the perfect fit.He was the cool head that got the Dolphins home against a brave Knights outfit 36-20 on Friday night.He sums up the Dolphins' mentality of "a star team rather than a team of stars" and has been outstanding in each of their three wins.The Dolphins have been THE biggest story of the season to date - but face the acid test next weekend against the Broncos.

Panthers overcome loss of Cleary

There's only one thing worse for a young player than being a coach's son - and that's being a recruitment manager's son.So it's been a tough road for Sean O'Sullivan, who at 23 is already at his fourth NRL club.But the son of recruitment guru Peter O'Sullivan was the name on everyone's lips after the season opening game, starring for Penrith in the upset win over Manly.'Sully' played his best game in top company, filling the massive boots of Nathan Cleary with ease.He was involved in three tries in the Panthers' 28-6 win and his kicking game and game management were top notch.Finding a back-up for Cleary could have been a problem for the playmaker's dad this year - but in 80 minutes that headache is gone.O'Sullivan came to the Panthers on a bargain-basement contract - and after one round is an early contender for buy of the year.