Tag: Dolphins NRL

Redcliffe’s Hope: Jamayne Isaako Eyes Historic Finals Appearance

After an outstanding 2024 campaign in which he amassed 223 points, Jamayne Isaako stands poised to help guide the NRL Dolphins towards their first final series appearance.

The 28-year-old point-scoring sensation speaks with quiet confidence about the season ahead, even as the club navigates significant leadership changes.

Read: Redcliffe Leads the Way in New Developments: Key Projects to Watch in 2025

Jamayne Isaako Leads by Example

Though he has ruled himself out of the captaincy race, Isaako’s influence on the team continues to grow. “What I bring to the team is a lot of energy,” he explains after a gruelling preseason session in Redcliffe’s notorious January humidity. “Being a little bit of an older head in the team now, I’m just bringing the experience I have to some of the young blokes.”

His 12 tries and 87 goals in 2024 cemented him as one of the competition’s most reliable performers. However, personal statistics are not his primary focus for 2025. He remains determined to help the team reach the finals, a goal he is especially motivated by after last season’s narrow loss to Newcastle that left them outside of a postseason spot.

Embracing Change Under Woolf

The transition from Wayne Bennett to Kristian Woolf as head coach has infused fresh energy into the Dolphins’ preseason. Now entering his tenth NRL season, Isaako has embraced the change, finding Woolf’s coaching style engaging and effective. He noted the competitive edge shared by both mentors, while also recognising the fresh perspective Woolf brings to the team.

With experience under both coaches, Isaako offers unique insight into the club’s evolution. “I see a lot of similarities in the way he coaches with Wayne. I’m interested to see how the season unfolds.”

While Isaako watches the captaincy race with interest and supports Tom Gilbert’s leadership potential, he remains focused on his own role. His approach to the upcoming season is unchanged, as he is determined to perform consistently and contribute to the team as he has over the past two years.

Read: Moreton Bay Gears Up for Tourism Boom with New Hotels on the Horizon

With preseason trials beginning against the Capras in Gladstone on 8 February, Isaako’s ambitions align with those of Redcliffe fans: to see the Dolphins secure their first finals berth. His journey from prolific point-scorer to experienced leader could be the catalyst the club needs to achieve this historic milestone.

Published 20-January-2025

The Dolphins Roundup: Phins Lock in Donoghoe, Lemuelu While Gearing Up for Fan-Friendly 2025

In a strong show of faith in their developing roster, the Dolphins have secured the futures of two key players ahead of the 2025 NRL season, while also announcing plans to kick off the new year with their highly anticipated Fan Fest at Kayo Stadium.

Read: Redcliffe Residents Fear for Safety as Homelessness Crisis Escalates

Rising stars commit to growing club

The Redcliffe outfit continues to build stability with Fijian international Kurt Donoghoe extending his stay until the end of 2025. Donoghoe, a standout ever since the Dolphins’ inaugural NRL match, joined in 2023 on a train-and-trial contract and has since excelled, appearing in 16 NRL games and representing Fiji five times at the international level. The versatile playmaker’s ability to cover multiple positions across the halves, backline, and hooker roles adds valuable depth to the squad.

Dolphins head of academy and Fijian assistant coach Matt Hartigan praised Donoghoe’s influence on the team, stating, “When he plays direct, and he gets the ball in his hands, he’s got the creativity to make the guys around him look good.”

In another significant retention, dynamic back-rower Connelly Lemuelu has committed to the club until the end of 2026. Since joining for the inaugural season, Lemuelu has become a mainstay in the side, notching up 41 appearances over two years. The 25-year-old forms part of an impressive young forward pack alongside Kulikefu Finefeuaki, Oryn Keeley, and James Walsh.

Newly appointed head coach Kristian Woolf expressed his enthusiasm about Lemuelu’s extension, seeing it as a crucial piece in the club’s long-term planning. “Connelly is the type of person we want to continue to build the club around,” Woolf said. “I see him as an elite talent with his best football still ahead of him.”

Read: No Fireworks Along Redcliffe Foreshore This New Year’s Eve

Dolphins Fan Fest

Dolphins faithful will have their first chance to meet the strengthened 2025 squad at the upcoming Dolphins Fan Fest. The free, family-friendly event will take place at Kayo Stadium on Saturday, 1 February, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The event will give locals unique access to their sporting heroes, with activities including dressing room tours, touch football games for children, and autograph sessions with players. The wheelchair-accessible celebration will also feature face painting, a jumping castle, and the first opportunity to purchase 2025 merchandise.

Published 20-December-2024

Tom Opacic Returns: Redcliffe’s Homegrown Talent Back on Familiar Ground

In a heartwarming twist for local rugby league fans, Redcliffe-born Tom Opacic has returned to the Dolphins’ training ground, sparking excitement about a possible homecoming for the talented centre.

Read: Spot Santa in Redcliffe: Queensland Rail Brings Holiday Cheer to the Tracks

“Look who’s back”

The Dolphins’ social media channels buzzed with excitement as they shared images of the 30-year-old participating in training sessions. For many long-time supporters, this marks a full-circle moment as Opacic returns to the club where his rugby league journey began.

Tom Opacic : career journey

Opacic’s professional career has taken him across multiple prestigious clubs since his NRL debut with the Brisbane Broncos in 2016. After three seasons with the Broncos, he moved to the North Queensland Cowboys in 2019 and then joined the Parramatta Eels in 2021. Most recently, he transitioned to England’s Super League with Hull Kingston Rovers in 2023.

Despite signing a contract extension that would have kept him at Hull KR until the end of 2025, Opacic departed the English club at the conclusion of the 2024 season. His exit opened opportunities for both parties, with Hull KR securing Rhyse Martin as his replacement.

Future prospects

While no official signing has been announced, Opacic’s presence at training suggests potential involvement with the Redcliffe Dolphins in the 2025 Queensland Cup season. As the feeder club for the Dolphins NRL outfit, this arrangement could also serve as a pathway back to the top flight, particularly with one position remaining in the NRL squad’s top 30.

However, competition for spots remains fierce, especially in the centres where the NRL side boasts the formidable pairing of Jake Averillo and Herbie Farnworth. Nevertheless, Opacic’s experience across multiple professional environments could prove valuable for both the Queensland Cup side and as depth for the NRL squad.

Read: Industry-Standard Training Takes Off at Redcliffe State High School

For the Redcliffe faithful, Opacic’s return is more than just a professional move; it’s a celebration of a local hero coming full circle, promising an exciting future for the club and its fans alike.

Published 13-December-2024

The Dolphins Roundup: Phins End Controversial Sponsorship, Address Rumours About Star Halfback

The Dolphins NRL club has terminated a controversial sponsorship deal amid regulatory hurdles, while speculation mounts over potential recruitment of St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt.

Read: The Dolphins Roundup: Niu Heads to the UK, Tabuai-Fidow Joins Kangaroos

Regulatory pressure forces sponsorship exit

Alternaleaf and the Dolphins have ended their partnership following ongoing challenges with the Therapeutic Goods Act. The relationship faced public scrutiny earlier this season when the team was forced to tape over Alternaleaf’s branding during their Darwin fixture.

“Given the regulatory challenges, our partnership has concluded,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader confirmed. “However, we maintain positive relations with Alternaleaf and remain open to future opportunities should circumstances change.”

Kelly King, speaking for Alternaleaf’s parent company Montu, expressed pride in the association with the Dolphins, highlighting the team’s impressive performance in their sophomore season. 

Rumours swirl as Hunt eyes Queensland return

Meanwhile, the club faces mounting speculation regarding St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt. The Queensland veteran, who has been granted permission to explore offers for 2026, has previously expressed interest in finishing his career in his home state. Hunt, a former Brisbane Broncos halfback with over 300 NRL appearances, would bring valuable experience to the developing squad.

Sources close to the Dragons told The Herald that the club would consider an early release for Hunt in 2024—despite his contract running through 2025—provided they receive adequate compensation.

However, according to the Daily Telegraph,the Dolphins management maintains a measured stance despite media reports suggesting preliminary talks. “We’re always interested in good players if they’re interested in coming to our club but at the moment there’s nothing to report,” says Reader.

Read: Redcliffe Roars to Life as Supercross Championship Returns to Queensland

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf moved swiftly to address the rumours head-on. “I can sit here with my hand on my heart and say we’ve had no contact at all,” Woolf stated firmly. Instead, the coach doubled down on his support for rising halfback Isaiya Katoa, with whom he shares a strong connection through their time together with the Tongan national team.

“I love what Isaiya Katoa brings. He’s an outstanding halfback and he’s a guy that I think is going to be an elite halfback in the NRL and I think he’s already shown that,” Woolf said.

Published 21-October-2024

Dolphins vs Storm: Phins Chase Another Upset Against Table-Toppers Melbourne

The Dolphins will look to pull off another boilover when they host leaders Melbourne Storm on Friday, June 21. Wayne Bennett’s men are brimming with confidence after toppling the Sharks last round and need just one more win to match their inaugural season victory tally. Dolphins vs Storm kickoff 8:00 p.m. Suncorp Stadium.

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Injury boosts for both sides

While the hosts lose Queensland stars Felise Kaufusi and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to Origin duties, they regain Jesse Bromwich from a rib injury. Exciting winger Tesi Niu is also a chance to return from an ankle issue. 

For the Storm, Trent Loiero is set to be released from Maroons camp to play, while Ryan Papenhuyzen could make his long-awaited comeback from an ankle problem.

Dolphins vs Storm

The Dolphins’ attack has been firing on all cylinders, scoring at least 20 points in their past six outings. Winger Jack Bostock has crossed for 10 tries in his last 11 games. As Bromwich is passed fit, Bennett’s pack receives another major boost.

Despite being without Maroons duo Harry Grant and Xavier Coates, Melbourne’s depth remains the envy of most clubs. Jahrome Hughes has been instrumental in nine of their 10 wins this season, while Nick Meaney has amassed 62 points in his last four outings alone. The returning Papenhuyzen would also be a huge addition.

One concerning stat for Dolphins fans is that Bennett’s teams have now lost 11 straight against Melbourne. However, this Dolphins outfit continues to exceed expectations and will fancy their chances of an upset on home soil.

Read: Woody Point Transforms into Canine Carnival: Pooches in the Park is Back!

Jeremy Marshall-King extends

In a major boost ahead of the crunch clash, the Dolphins locked in a key part of their future by extending dummy-half Jeremy Marshall-King’s deal until 2028. The Kiwi international has been a revelation since joining the club and forms a crucial part of their long-term spine plans.

Published 19-June-2024