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Kaufusi and Marshall-King Return for the Dolphins to Take on the Roosters

Kristian Woolf will be looking for the Dolphins to bounce back from their loss last week against the Raiders, which interrupted their three match-winning streak.

The Dolphins looked like title contenders in the first half in Canberra against a strong Raiders outfit, 28-12 up at half time and seemingly cruising, the Raiders responded with five tries without conceding a point in the second half to
finish 40-28 in front.

Felise Kaufusi returns to the team, replacing the injured Daniel Saifiti in the front row. Jeremy Marshall-King also returns at Hooker though the Dolphins will miss Max Plath who failed a late fitness test.

The Roosters run out with the same side that won on Anzac Day.

Both sides have a three wins and five losses record but if the Dolphins can get close to their first half last week, surely, they would fancy this one.

The Roosters demolition of the Dragons, 46-18 at Allianz Stadium, was led by James Tedesco, who ran 230 metres and went over for two tries, Sandon Smith also scoring two tries. The Roosters had 10 line breaks (three from Tedesco) but the most impressive part of their game was the kick return, 305 m to only 107 m by the Dragons.

Looks like a real arm wrestle, the atmosphere on Caxton Street will be electric.

As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size three footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball),
other activations at Suncorp include:

The Harvey Norman Hub
The Westpac Catch & Keep
Red Bull and Levels present
Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station
The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course
The Telstra Trophy Zone
The Hisense Commentary Box

See more about the activations half way down this page.

If you can’t get to Suncorp, the Roosters vs Dolphins game will be broadcast live on Channel 9, Kayo and Foxtel. Kick off is on Friday, 2 May, at 8:00 p.m.

Resurgent Dolphins Host Storm at Suncorp Aiming to Break

Photo Credit: Australia Rugby

Back-to-back wins for the Dolphins will give them confidence for the visit of the Melbourne Storm on Good Friday at Suncorp, kick-off at 8:00 p.m.

The Hammer’s massive shift of 223 metres run, yielding a hat-trick of tries, was the cream on the cake against the Panthers. Jeremy Marshall-King’s 52 tackles, along with Max Plath’s 46, were the platform that enabled the Dolphins to overcome the Panthers’ bid for a fifth consecutive Premiership.

The Dolphins have played the Storm three times in the NRL and lost all three, so Woolf’s men will have a juicy incentive and a substantial underdog tag(bookies have the Dolphins at around $4.70).

The Storm currently sits second on the NRL ladder, having lost only one game in their first five games of the season.

Last week, they thumped the Warriors 42-14.

Kristian Woolf will field the same 17 that beat the Panthers last week. Ray Stone returns as the 18th man after serving his high-tackle suspension.

For the Storm, Jahrome Hughes has been passed fit after coming off at half-time last week with a Shoulder problem.

Moses Leo is out with a shoulder injury, Sua Fa’alogo starts on the wing, and Grant Anderson moves to the centres. Concussion concerns will keep Will Warbrick and Nelson Asofa-Solomona out of the squad.

Published Date 17-April-2025

Dolphins v Broncos — The Battle of Brisbane

Dolphins fans will be desperately hoping that last season’s Round 26 “Battle of Brisbane” repeats itself, after a tough start to the reason that leaves them winless after three games.

The opening round loss was a tough arm wrestle with Issiah Tass’s 67th minute try cancelling the Dolphins lead after Max Plath went over to put the Dolphins ahead.

Last week the Phins led against the Wests Tigers 18-12 at half-time, a crucial easy goal kick was turned down in the second half “I allowed them to play some footy” said coach Kristian Woolf.

Max Plath led the tackle count with 45 whilst Herbie Farnworth ran for 209 metres, while making 8 tackle breaks and 3 offloads, leading to a try and an assist.

“It gives us something to get excited about”, said Woolf about the Broncos clash.

Surely re-runs of last year’s round 26 will be on the agenda, to gee the boys up.

Kevvy Walters’s team had not played their best footy at that stage but they were not ready for the marauding phins to rip them apart, 2 tries each from The Hammer, Herbie Farmworth and Jake Averillo with Jermayne Isaako starting the rout in the 13th minute.

The 4 tries in the first half despite Felise Kaufusi going to the bin in the 17th minute, though Xavier Willison also had a 10 minute rest on the sidelines after 30 minutes.

All five try scorers will start on Friday night at Suncorp, as Kristian Woolf puts out an unchanged 17 from last week.

Dolphins Honour 1965 Premiership with Heritage Jersey in Historic Homecoming

Photo Credit: Dolphins NRL

The Dolphins are set to celebrate a milestone in their rich history by wearing a special 2025 heritage jersey when they face the Wests Tigers at Kayo Stadium in their first home game of the season on Saturday, 22 March. The jersey pays tribute to the club’s first-ever Brisbane Rugby League (BRL) premiership win in 1965, a victory that not only cemented Redcliffe’s status in Queensland rugby league but also played a role in shaping the future of the sport.

The historic Grand Final occurred on 11 September 1965, when the Dolphins defeated Fortitude Valley Diehards 15-2 in front of more than 25,000 fans at Lang Park. The win was a defining moment for Redcliffe, marking its emergence as a force in the BRL. The team’s success that season was powered by Arthur Beetson and Kevin Yow Yeh, two young players who would leave a lasting impact on the game.

A Victory That Shaped the Dolphins’ Future

Redcliffe’s 1965 premiership was more than just a breakthrough title—it began a legacy that continues to influence the club today. The team, led by John Treeby at five-eighth, controlled the match with discipline and resilience. Yow Yeh scored two tries, securing his status as the game’s standout performer. His efforts were recognised in the Telegraph newspaper the next day, which declared him “The Hero.”

Meanwhile, Beetson played a crucial role in the forwards, showing the strength and skill that would later make him one of rugby league’s greatest figures. While still an emerging player at the time, Beetson’s performance in the Grand Final hinted at the legendary career that lay ahead. He would later become the first Indigenous Australian to captain a national team in any sport, making history beyond just the club level.

Dolphins 1965 Premiereship — *Photo Credit: DolphinsNRL*

A Turning Point for Redcliffe

The impact of the 1965 victory extended well beyond the field. The success of that season attracted the attention of New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) clubs, with Balmain securing the signatures of both Beetson and Yow Yeh the following year. The transfer fee from the two players allowed Redcliffe to build its first clubhouse, a pivotal step in the club’s long-term development.

Both Beetson and Yow Yeh had immediate success at Balmain, helping the club finish second on the ladder in 1966 and reach the Grand Final, though they fell short against St George. Beetson went on to become a Balmain premiership winner in 1969, while Yow Yeh continued his career before returning to Queensland.

Honouring the Past with a Special Jersey

As the Dolphins take the field against the Wests Tigers, they will be wearing a red heritage jersey with two white chevrons, a nod to the iconic design from 1965. The match holds a symbolic connection—the Tigers are the modern-day club that evolved from Balmain, the very team that recruited Beetson and Yow Yeh after their premiership win.

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This tribute is a way for the Dolphins community to reconnect with the club’s roots, celebrating the players and moments that helped shape Redcliffe into the team it is today.

With generations of fans now supporting the NRL Dolphins, the 2025 heritage round serves as a reminder of how far the club has come—from a local Queensland side to a national competitor.

BUY the 1965 Jersey

Published 19-March-2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UNSTOPPABLE 🚨#NRLEelsDolphins pic.twitter.com/u8nALZyBJd
— NRL (@NRL) April 19, 2024

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.

Bostock dives in 🐬 #NRLEelsDolphins pic.twitter.com/rc9fbTcxnG
— NRL (@NRL) April 19, 2024

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.

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