2024 Preview: Dolphins

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AJ Lucantonio looks at how the 'Phins can overcome second-year-syndrome in 2024.

Phins set to take the plunge after modest beginnings

After a successful beginning to their existence as an NRL side. The Dolphins have recruited aggressively to attempt to climb the ladder in what is shaping as Wayne Bennett's final season in charge.

Last season, the Dolphins came into the season as a complete unknown and a lot of our early assessments proved to be unfounded. But some things such as a lack of depth across the board were correct and ultimately costed the Dolphins later in the season when injuries started to stack up. They managed some impressive scalps across the year beating the likes of the Roosters, Raiders and Knights to start with, but when it came to the tough slog at the midway mark, the Dolphins began to lose pace with the leaders and by then it was too late.

That being said, there were some impressive career renaissances at the Redcliffe based club. Jamayne Isaako went from finishing 2022 with Tweed Seagulls, to the leading point scorer in the competition and a genuine gamechanger. Connelly Lemuelu came from left field to snatch a starting edge spot and was a consistent force for the Dolphins last season. Also to shine in his rookie campaign was Isaiya Katoa, although he shifted around the spine in his rookie season. Katoa would've learned a lot from his maiden campaign in the big time and with another full NRL off-season under his belt, expect Katoa to make a big leap in 2024.

Looking ahead to 2024 though. They have recruited aggressively and sharply to address areas of perceived weakness. Jake Averillo and Herbie Farnworth will be vital additions to the outside backs as their genuine speed out wide was an area the Dolphins lacked at centre last season. Averillo's ability to play across the backline is also a strength moving forward for the expansion club.

Lastly, Tom Flegler comes from the grand final winning Broncos to add some starch up front and adds another enforcer to the pack that held its own last season. Jesse Bromwich has already bookmarked that this will be his last season in the NRL so his ability to mentor the young forwards in his final year will be critical knowledge for the young impressive brigade of forwards coming through. 

Why they'll win it

It's a good mix of youth and experience. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will build upon his rep experience spending time in camps with some of the best players in his position. The outside backs are bursting for speed and excitement. The halves have a mix of game management and off the cuff (a skill vital in the modern game). While the forwards are slowly building into a good solid workhorse and Jeremy Marshall-King continues to develop as an first class 9. If all goes right (and it's getting harder for everything to work perfectly except if your Penrith), then the Dolphins will be challengers.

Why they won't win it.

I still feel that there is something missing from the Dolphins side, the halves are great players but behind that there isn't a lot. Anthony Milford is the next man up and there are always questions about his form and health, so it's important that the halves remain healthy and firing on all cylinders. Plus, it's Wayne Bennett's final season as coach. There will be tons of expectations on this side to send the greatest coach of all time out on a winning note.

Player movement

Key players

Easy to look at the three major recruits and say they are key. But that has already been addressed. Tom Gilbert is in for a big season after being hurt in Origin 1 restricting him to just 11 games last season. Felise Kaufusi will also be primed for a big one after letting his side down with two critical big suspensions last season. 

Rookies

Looking at the club's top 30 roster. The main watch is over youngster Jack Bostock. Bostock debuted in Round 5 last season and amassed a total of 4 games last season, he has reportedly won a wing spot for the first round and given what he produced in his cameo last season. He has every chance to cement that spot for the season. Oryn Keeley has arrived from the Knights looking for a chance with guys like Max Plath, Mason Teague and Harrison Graham all chomping at the bit waiting for their chance.

Round 1 lineup

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock

6. Isaiya Katoa
7. Sean O'Sullivan

8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Thomas Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenny Bromwich
13. Tom Gilbert

Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Jarrod Wallace 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Mark Nicholls

2024 fixture list

All times Brisbane time (AEST)