2023 Preview: Dolphins

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Bennett's boys ready to take the plunge.

It's the inaugural season for the boys from Redcliffe and they're keen to prove that they won't be here just to make up the numbers.

The Dolphins have spent the last twelve months trying to build a roster that would see them be competitive in season 2023. While a lot has been made of their recruitment misses (and trust me, there's been plenty), it's time to begin to shift attention to what is at their disposal and how far they can go in season 2023.

Starting on the coaching front, there's no better coach to lead the Dolphins in their inaugural season than Wayne Bennett. It's important to note that this isn't Bennett's first rodeo with a new side, coaching the Broncos in their first 20 seasons from 1988-2008. His assistants include future coach Kristian Woolf - coming off three straight premiership successes with English club St Helens - while Nathan Fien is a clever attacking coach that will provide much-needed flair to the Dolphins' attack.

On the field of play, a lot has been said about the perceived "Dad's Army" approach to their forward pack. However, the Bromwich brothers will be seen as the father figures of the pack with plenty of young forwards champing at the bit and wanting to make their debuts in 2023. One of these - Mason Teague - comes from a successful system in Penrith and has immense talent. The former St Dominic's College student is a constant goer and could thrive with Wayne Bennett's style of attacking play. Watching the Dolphins' two trials to date, Jarrod Wallace and Herman Ese'ese have thrived in the new scenery. Both have previously played under Bennett and were at their best under him, after indifferent recent seasons, the pair will be keen to shine again.

In the back line, there's a mix of youth and experience. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be able to play with freedom after his stint at the back last season was interrupted by injury and the rise of Scott Drinkwater. Also throwing his hat in the ring is Tesi Niu. Niu is a talented player that can play across a variety of positions and looks set to compete with the Hammer for the number 1 jumper, if not a centre position is all but assured for the Tongan international.

Another young player that is the talk of the league world is Valance Te Whare. Valance has a big frame and was a handful in the QLD Cup winning Centre of the Year crossing for 12 tries in his 13 matches. The centre battle will be interesting with Te Whare, Oliver Gildart, Brenko Lee, Euan Aitken, Jack Bostock and Connelly Lemuelu fighting it out for two spots in the starting side and will be keen to push their claims for selection.

The half/five-eighth situation is one of much intrigue. Anthony Milford will be fresh to impress coming off the back of a successful World Cup campaign with Samoa while Sean O'Sullivan will be keen to show that he isn't a one-system player after shining for the Panthers while Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary were absent over the last two seasons. Another former Panther who will be wanting to shine is rookie sensation Isaiya Katoa. Katoa is yet to play a game in first grade but is already the buzz of the league world with sensational performances for Tonga in the World Cup.

Why They'll Win It

The Dolphins have a series of quality players across all positions. Some looking for a fresh start, while others will be looking to cement their positions in a more stable environment. Wayne Bennett always has a unique ability to bring the best out of players no matter the location (yes that includes Newcastle).

It will be interesting to see how Bennett goes about building this roster from the ground up and what his approach will be after a year away from the game should results go pear-shaped.

Why They Won't

We need to be realistic here. The Dolphins are a first-year franchise entering the sport's toughest competition. It will take time for the side to gel and build as they continue to find their feet in the NRL.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions around strength in several key positions after Milford's indifferent form last year and the fact Katoa is unproven at the NRL level so it will be a challenging season to see how the Dolphins respond to challenges shall they come up.

Key Players

With the key defection from the Storm of three key forwards. All eyes will be firmly on the Bromwich brothers and Felise Kaufusi to see how they go away from Craig Bellamy and his strict approach to football. Tom Gilbert will be keen to prove that 2022 was no fluke after earning a spot in the Queensland side while Jeremy Marshall-King is also wanting to show that 2023 won't be a regression after starring for the Bulldogs and earning a spot in the New Zealand squad for the World Cup. 

Rookies to Watch

Three key rookies are likely to make their debut in 2023. Isaiya Katoa, Valence Te Whare and Mason Teague are clever young players and will push for selection throughout the season.

Elsewhere, Jack Bostock is a clever outside back who played for NSW U/19 last season and could push for a debut should injuries strike the rookie club. Bostock has been a standout in the trials. 

2023 Dolphins squad

Predicted Round 1 side

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Edrick Lee
3. Tesi Niu
4. Euan Aitken
5. Jamayne Isaako 
6. Anthony Milford
7. Sean O'Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich (c)
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Mark Nicholls
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenny Bromwich
13. Tom Gilbert

14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Ray Stone
16. Jarrod Wallace
17. Herman Ese'ese

2023 Dolphins fixtures

Some statistics courtesy Rugby League Project.