Tag: Dolphins

Building a Legacy: Dolphins Commit to Youth Talent in Groundbreaking League

In a landmark development that reinforces the Dolphins’ commitment to nurturing local talent, the NRL’s newest franchise is set to play a pivotal role in an innovative youth competition alongside Queensland’s established clubs.

Read: Gayundah Arboretum Closure: Public Health Risks Prompt Six-Month Cleanup

Dolphins Strengthen Development Pipeline

The collaboration between the NRL Dolphins and their Queensland rivals—the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys, and Gold Coast Titans—represents a significant step forward for the club. For supporters in the Moreton Bay region, this competition offers an exciting opportunity to watch emerging talent don the Dolphins’ colours while taking part in a crucial development program.

The timing is ideal, as the club continues to establish its long-term development structures. By providing a platform for identifying and refining young players, the competition ensures a sustainable future built on home-grown talent.

Bridging the Development Gap

Scheduled to commence in May, after the Mal Meninga Cup concludes, the nine-week competition addresses a critical gap in the development pathway. It offers valuable high-level experience for young Dolphins prospects who may not yet be ready for Queensland Cup action with the Redcliffe Dolphins.

The round-robin format will see the Dolphins face each of their Queensland rivals twice. Some games could even serve as curtain-raisers to NRL fixtures, giving fans additional opportunities to support their club’s future stars while experiencing the development of promising young players firsthand.

Strategic Advantage for 2026

This initiative arrives at a crucial moment for the Dolphins, particularly with the NRL planning to reintroduce the National Youth Competition as an under-21s league in 2026. The new competition provides the club with an opportunity to build a robust junior development system from the ground up, unlike their more established Queensland counterparts. By taking a proactive approach now, the Dolphins will be well-positioned when the national competition launches, having already laid strong foundations for their youth program.

Read: Redcliffe Art Gallery to Open 2025 Exhibition Season with ‘15 Artists’ and ‘Joe Furlonger: Horizons’

The competition particularly resonates with the Dolphins’ commitment to their local community. Young players from the Moreton Bay region and surrounding areas will have a clearer pathway to professional rugby league without leaving their home region, strengthening the bond between the club and its grassroots supporters.

Published 10-February-2025

Dolphins vs Raiders: Phins Desperate To Re-establish Momentum

Wayne Bennett will be hoping the Dolphins can make up for the loss in New Zealand last week in front of a sold-out crowd in Redcliffe for round 13 of the NRL.

Read: Dolphins vs Tigers: NRL Magic Round Continue Festivities at Suncorp Stadium

Bennett will be hoping Herbie Farnworth can repeat the huge effort in New Zealand, where he scored a try, had a try assist, 3 line breaks, and 13 tackle busts.

A win last week would have had them level on points with last year’s champions in third and within a win of the table-topping Storm.

Still, they take a 7-win, 4-loss record into their defence of Kayo Stadium against the Raiders from Canberra, which kicks off at 7.35 on Saturday night. With the Dolphins in 4th and the Raiders in 9th, this would appear to be a good chance for the Phins to stay ahead of the Broncos in 5th.

Trai Fuller is back in full back for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, as he and Felise Kaufusi will miss the game due to Maroons duty. Connelly Lemuelu will cover for Kaufusi in the backrow, and Anthony Milford joins the interchange.

Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied

Read: Dolphins vs Knights: ANZAC Round Sunday Showdown

The Raiders will be without Hudson Young, who made the Blues State of Origin squad; Simi Sasagi joins the interchange. Maroons legend Josh Papali is back for the Raiders after his one-game suspension, having retired from Origin football last year. He will go up against Jesse Bromwich in a key matchup, which Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart says is forecast to be wet track.

Since inception, the Dolphins have played the Raiders twice, getting one win each.

Published Date 31-May-2024

Dolphins vs Tigers: NRL Magic Round Continue Festivities at Suncorp Stadium

The 2024 NRL Magic Round will continue over the weekend, promising an action-packed Sunday afternoon of rugby league. Among the pivotal match-ups on May 19 at the Suncorp Stadium are three eagerly anticipated encounters that are sure to keep Redcliffe fans on the edge of their seats. The Warriors clash with the Panthers and the Storm battle the Eels before the main event kicks off: Dolphins vs Tigers at 6:25 p.m.

Read: Redcliffe Water Polo Stars Make a Splash at State Championships

Warriors vs Panthers

Kicking off at 1:50 p.m, the Warriors and Panthers will both be without their star playmakers. Shaun Johnson’s pectoral injury has dealt a serious blow to the Warriors, who are languishing in 14th place on the ladder. 

Reigning champion and second-placed Panthers are no strangers to overcoming adversity, but the loss of Nathan Cleary is a challenge they will have to overcome yet again. Despite the absence of their talismanic leaders, this blockbuster promises to be a fiercely contested affair.

Storm vs Eels

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will be looking for an immediate response from his side when they take on the Eels in the 4:00 p.m. clash. The Storm, coming off a loss to the Sharks, have an amazing record at Suncorp Stadium, although they were beaten by the Rabbitohs in last year’s Magic Round.

For Parramatta, the imminent return of Mitchell Moses from a foot injury could provide a timely boost as the halfback makes a late push for a State of Origin call-up. His inclusion would be a welcome addition for the Eels, who will need to be at their best to overcome the relentless Storm outfit.

Dolphins vs Tigers

The resurgent Dolphins, riding a four-game winning streak, will fancy their chances of extending their impressive run when they face the struggling Wests Tigers in the 6:25 p.m. main event. Wayne Bennett’s side could welcome back star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, further bolstering their top-four aspirations.

The Tigers, mired in a six-game losing skid, will be desperate to turn their efforts into points. With Isaiah Papali’i suspended and Aidan Sezer sidelined, the spotlight will fall on young guns Lachie Galvin and Jahream Bula to provide the necessary spark and inspire an unlikely upset over the in-form Dolphins. This clash promises to be a tantalising contrast of fortunes as the Magic Round reaches its conclusion.

As the Magic Round concludes on Sunday, fans can expect a festival of football like no other, with pivotal battles, potential milestones, and the ever-present unpredictability that makes the NRL’s showcase event a must-watch spectacle.

Read: Redcliffe Water Polo Stars Make a Splash at State Championships

Published 15-May-2024

Dolphins vs Knights: ANZAC Round Sunday Showdown

The Dolphins will be looking to continue their hot start to the season when they host the Newcastle Knights in the ANZAC Round clash on Sunday, April 28. Despite being without key players and head coach Wayne Bennett last week, the Dolphins recorded a dominant 44-16 victory over the Eels. Dolphins vs Knights kickoff 2:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Redcliffe Water Polo Stars Make a Splash at State Championships

Starting lineup unchanged

The Dolphins (4-2) have named an unchanged starting 13 from their win over the Eels, with Kurt Donoghoe’s return from suspension the only change to their 17-man squad.

On the other hand, Newcastle (2-5) is reeling from a heavy defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs, compounded by the loss of their captain Kalyn Ponga to a long-term foot injury. The star fullback’s absence is a massive blow for Newcastle, who have won only three of their past 10 without him.

Dolphins vs Knights

All eyes will be on the battle of the forward packs, with the Dolphins’ dominant engine room laying the platform for their high-scoring start to the year. They lead the NRL for average points scored at 28.3 per game.

Leading the back-line are the two wingers in Jamayne Isaako and Jack Bostock.

The two sides shared the spoils in their meetings last year, with the Dolphins winning in Newcastle before the Knights prevailed in Perth later in the season.

Making moves off the field

In other news, the Dolphins have secured Cowboys back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki on a three-year deal from 2024, with the Ipswich Jets product returning to south-east Queensland.

Max Plath has also been rewarded for his impressive form with a contract extension that will keep him at the Dolphins until 2027.

Max Plath
Plath scored two tries against the Eels last weekend. Photo Credit: Instagram/Dolphins NRL

These off-field moves further bolster the Dolphins’ squad as they continue to establish themselves as a force in the NRL.

Read: Concerns Rise Over Unregulated E-Bikes After Alarming Sight on Busy Redcliffe Road

With both teams desperate for points, the ANZAC Round encounter is a must-watch. The Dolphins look to solidify their place in the top four, while the Knights aim to arrest their form slump and keep their finals hopes alive.

Published 26-April-2024