NRL Dolphins Archives - Redcliffe Today

The Dolphins Roundup: Phins Land Dally M Honours and Powerhouse Recruits

It’s been a momentous week for the Dolphins. Alongside dual Dally M award victories for Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock, the club has announced the additions of Origin prop Daniel Saifiti and promising outside back Max Feagai for 2025, as well as securing two key assistant coaches to join incoming head coach Kristian Woolf.

Read: Vine Time Immortalised: Cortnee Vine’s Historic Penalty Honoured in Bronze

Dolphins celebrate Dally M success

The Dolphins’ impressive sophomore campaign has been recognised at the Dally M Awards, with the club securing two prestigious honours. Herbie Farnworth claimed the Centre of the Year award, while Jack Bostock was named Rookie of the Year, marking a major achievement for the young winger.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was also in contention for Fullback of the Year. He was ultimately edged out by Roosters’ James Tedesco, rounding out a strong showing for the club with three nominees.

Origin prop Daniel Saifiti joins

In a major coup for the Dolphins, representative front-rower Daniel Saifiti will join the club from the Newcastle Knights. The 28-year-old veteran brings considerable experience to the forward pack, with 183 NRL games under his belt, seven State of Origin appearances for NSW, and international experience representing Fiji.

The signing reunites Saifiti with incoming head coach Kristian Woolf, his former mentor at the Knights. “He is a representative player, he is tough, aggressive, and a hard worker—all the things the Dolphins pride themselves on being,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said.

Alongside Saifiti, Knights assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn will also make the move north, adding valuable coaching expertise to the staff.

The Woolf pack grows

The Dolphins have further strengthened their squad by securing 23-year-old Max Feagai from the St George Illawarra Dragons. The young star joins a formidable lineup of outside backs, competing alongside the trio of Dally M nominees, as well as established players Jamayne Isaako and Trai Fuller.

Dragons assistant coach Ben Woolf will unite with his brother Kristian, who will take over the reins from Wayne Bennett.

Read: Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan Set to Transform Local Community

The new recruits will begin their Dolphins journey in November’s preseason, marking the start of an exciting chapter as the club builds toward 2025 with a reinforced playing and coaching roster.

Published 07-October-2024

Dolphins vs Knights: Sudden-Death Clash to Determine Last NRL Finals Spot

The Dolphins will face a make-or-break clash against the Newcastle Knights this Sunday, 8 September, with the winner claiming the eighth and final spot in the NRL finals series. Dolphins vs Knights kick off 4:05 p.m. at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

Read: Dolphins vs Capras: Redcliffe Face Elimination in Final Series Battle Against Central Queensland

Wayne Bennett’s strategy and pre-game speech pay off

After a commanding 40-6 victory over the Brisbane Broncos, the Dolphins now control their finals destiny as they prepare for this crucial away match.

Coach Wayne Bennett’s experience and tactical acumen was on full display in the Battle for Brisbane. Trai Fuller’s inclusion at fullback and the repositioning of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to the centres were particularly effective, while Jake Averillo impressed in his role in the halves.

Herbie Farnworth, who earned the ‘Battle Medal’ as player of the match, credits Bennett’s creative coaching for the team’s dominant performance.

Reports also suggest that Bennett delivered a stirring pre-match speech, igniting a fierce determination in his players that was evident in every tackle and try.

Tevita Pangai Jnr described Bennett as “pretty animated and pretty fired up,” adding, “Wayne has been in this situation before… It is pretty crazy what we did tonight.”

Dolphins vs Knights

As the Dolphins prepare for their trip to Newcastle, the team remains focused on the task at hand. Winger Jamayne Isaako emphasised the importance of the upcoming game, stating, “We will soak in (the win against the Broncos) and get back to the drawing board and refocus ourselves and look forward to Newcastle.”

In a significant boost for the Phins, Felise Kaufusi has been cleared to play in the final game of the home-and-away season.

The judiciary downgraded his dangerous contact charge from the Broncos match, resulting in a fine rather than a suspension—ensuring the Dolphins have a stronger squad for the encounter.

Read: Flag-Bearing Brenden Hall Triumphs with Bronze, Australia’s First Medal in Paris Paralympics

With their finals fate hanging in the balance, the Dolphins are poised for what could be one of the most significant matches in their short history. A win would not only secure a finals berth but also mark a historic achievement for the Dolphins, who are aiming to make the finals in just their second NRL season—a remarkable feat for the competition’s newest team.

Published 04-September-2024

Dolphins Name Mark Nicholls Captain for High-Stakes Broncos Showdown

The Dolphins are set to face off against the Broncos this Saturday, 31 August, at Suncorp Stadium, with both teams’ finals hopes hanging by a thread. Mark Nicholls will lead the Dolphins in this season-defining Battle for Brisbane, stepping into the leadership role in Jesse Bromwich’s absence.

Read: Dolphins vs Broncos: Phins Face Crucial Battle for Brisbane in Race for Finals Berth

Mark Nicholls assigned captaincy

As the Dolphins prepare for this critical encounter, several key changes have been made to their lineup. Mark Nicholls assumes the captaincy with Jesse Bromwich sidelined due to concussion protocols, while Sean O’Sullivan moves from the bench to start at five-eighth, replacing Kodi Nikorima, who is also out due to the protocols.

Mason Teague returns to the interchange, boosting the forward pack’s versatility. Fijian international Kurt Donoghoe secures a bench spot for his first NRL game since round 19, while Lachlan Hubner is named as the 18th man.

Race for eighth

The Dolphins, sitting in 10th place with 26 points, are in a must-win situation to keep their finals hopes alive. They must defeat the Broncos and the Knights in their final matches to have a chance at sneaking into the top eight, reliant on the St. George Illawarra Dragons, currently in 8th place, to lose at least one of their remaining games.

Crucially, the Dolphins hold a significant points differential lead over the Dragons but trail the Broncos in this regard. Their path to the finals is narrow but still within reach.

The Broncos, equal to the Phins in points but with superior for/against, find themselves in a similar do-or-die scenario. The outcome of this match will likely eliminate one of these Queensland rivals from contention, adding extra intensity to an already fierce local derby.

Read: Paralympic Hero from Redcliffe, Brenden Hall, Embraces Final Games with Quiet Determination

The Dolphins enter this crucial fixture looking to reverse a concerning trend, having lost five of their last six matches. This slump has seen them slide from a comfortable position in the top eight to the brink of missing the finals altogether.

With their season on the line, the Dolphins must find a way to halt this downward spiral and secure a much-needed victory.

Published 29-August-2024

Dolphins vs Broncos: Phins Face Crucial Battle for Brisbane in Race for Finals Berth

In a season-defining derby, the Dolphins will face off against the Brisbane Broncos this Saturday, 31 August, with both teams battling for a crucial NRL final series spot. Dolphins vs Broncos kick off 5:30 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Redcliffe Dolphins Land Coaching Coup: Pride’s Eric Smith to Lead Hostplus Cup Team in 2025

Tight race for eighth

As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Dolphins find themselves in a fierce five-way battle for the final position in the top eight. The Dolphins, currently tied on 26 points with the Broncos, Knights, and Raiders, are just two points shy of the eighth-placed Dragons.

The significance of Saturday’s derby cannot be overstated—a loss would almost effectively end the defeated team’s season. Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett knows that the team’s recent slump—winning just three of their last 12—must be halted immediately if they are to keep their finals aspirations alive.

After this derby, the Dolphins are set to face another top eight contender, the Newcastle Knights, away from home.

Dolphins vs Broncos

The potential return of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King from a foot injury that has sidelined him for seven matches could provide a crucial boost to the Phins’ lineup. His presence has been sorely missed during the team’s recent struggles, which have seen them concede 150 points in their last four games.

In more positive news, Dolphins centre Jake Averillo is set to make his 100th NRL appearance in this crucial match.

In their last encounter, the Broncos secured a 28-14 victory, unleashing a devastating second-half blitz with four tries in just 14 minutes. To avoid a repeat, the Dolphins will need to tighten their defence and sustain their intensity throughout the match.

Read: Redcliffe Eyes Future Growth with Comprehensive Urban and Transport Plans

As the 2024 NRL season reaches its climax, the Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads. A win against the Broncos could reignite their finals push and potentially secure them a spot in the postseason in just their second year back in the competition.

Published 26-August-2024

Win the Ultimate Battle of Brisbane Game Day Experience and Support a Worthy Cause

The Dolphins faithful have a unique opportunity to elevate their game-day experience while contributing to a worthy cause. A charity raffle is offering fans the chance to win a premium corporate suite for 15 people at the upcoming Battle of Brisbane, all in support of Share the Dignity, an Australian charity combating period poverty.

Read: Redcliffe Eyes Future Growth with Comprehensive Urban and Transport Plans

The prize package for the Battle of Brisbane

The grand prize includes a corporate suite for 15 people at Suncorp Stadium, along with a gourmet food and beverage package, offering prime viewing for the Dolphins vs Broncos game on Saturday, 31 August.

Additionally, 50 double pass tickets are available for purchase at $99 each through the Share the Dignity website.

Moreover, the upcoming Dolphins vs Broncos game might be the most important Battle of Brisbane to date. With only two games left in the season, and both teams still fighting for a spot in the top eight, it is undoubtedly a season-defining match.

Industry collaboration

This initiative brings together several partners, including Ausbuild, a leading home builder across South East Queensland; Dynamic Bradview Roofing; Dolphins NRL; and Share the Dignity.

Ausbuild’s joint managing director Matthew Bell states, “We at Ausbuild are truly honoured to offer these prizes to the community, as it reflects Ausbuild’s commitment to enriching the lives of our residents and supporting meaningful causes like Share the Dignity.”

Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay highlights the significance of NRL’s involvement. “We are proud that a male-dominated sport is stepping up to help us to Share the Dignity.”

Why Share the Dignity matters

Share the Dignity works to provide essential menstrual products to women experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or facing poverty. The charity partners with over 3,000 organisations across the country to distribute these crucial items.

Share the Dignity has already distributed over 4 million product packets and over 800,000 bags filled with essentials to those in need, ensuring no one has to choose between food and menstrual hygiene. Visit their website to learn more about their cause.

Read: Redcliffe’s Homegrown Talent Zarlia Chisholm Makes Waves in the Film Industry

Mark your calendars and act fast—this is your limited-time chance to win big while supporting a cause that matters. The raffle closes on Monday, 26 August at midday with the winner being announced after 5:00 p.m. the same day.

Fans eager to participate can purchase raffle or double pass tickets through the Share the Dignity website here.

Published 24-August-2024

Dolphins vs Warriors: Phins Aim to Tame the Wahs in Playoff Push

The Dolphins return home this Sunday, August 11, facing a pivotal match against the New Zealand Warriors that could significantly impact the top-eight standings. With key players returning from injury and illness, the Phins aim to bounce back from their recent loss and secure a vital win in their playoff push. Dolphins vs Warriors kick off 2:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Redcliffe to Welcome Plunge Bathhouse and Recovery Centre

The Phins lose in Perth

In their most recent outing, the Dolphins fell short in a high-scoring battle against the Roosters, losing 40-34 in Perth. The match was a back-and-forth affair that showcased the Dolphins’ resilience and offensive capability, overcoming an early 12-0 deficit to tie the game at 18-18. Despite a late push from the Phins, the Roosters managed to hold on for the win.

Dolphins vs Warriors

The Dolphins are set to host the 13th-placed New Zealand Warriors (8-11-1) in a critical encounter. The Warriors, currently 1-3 in their last four games, will be looking to improve their position, while the Dolphins aim to retake their spot in the top eight.

Kodi Nikorima is slated to return to the starting lineup after missing last week’s game due to illness. He will rejoin Isaiya Katoa in the halves, with Sean O’Sullivan moving to the bench. Tevita Pangai Junior and Jamayne Isaako are also named in the side, pending fitness tests.

The last time these two teams met was last May 26. The Warriors narrowly edged out the Dolphins in a close 24-20 contest.

After this match, the Dolphins face a challenging run to close out the home-and-away season. Three of their final four games will be played away, with their only remaining home game being the highly anticipated Battle of Brisbane against the Broncos.

Read: Headspace Redcliffe Marks 10 Years of Youth Mental Health Support

As the season enters its crucial final stages, each game becomes increasingly important for the Dolphins. Sunday’s clash presents an opportunity for the team to build momentum for the final push towards the finals series.

Published 06-August-2024

Dolphins vs Titans: Phins Seek to Continue Dominance Over Gold Coast in Must-Win Match

The Dolphins face a crucial match against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday, July 28, as they fight to keep their finals hopes alive. Following a tight golden point defeat to the defending champions, Wayne Bennett’s squad aims to cement their top-eight position against a Titans team facing challenges. Dolphins vs Titans kick off 4:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Bicentennial Milestone of Redcliffe: A Legacy of Exploration and Discovery

Golden point loss against Penrith

Despite losing 28-26 to the Penrith Panthers, the Dolphins showed they can compete with the league’s elite, leading for much of the game. They took an early lead courtesy of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s first-half double and Isaiya Katoa’s effort. Halftime came with the Dolphins up 18-12.

The second half saw the Dolphins extend their lead to 26-14, with Jack Bostock scoring and Jamayne Isaako adding a penalty goal. However, the Panthers mounted a comeback, capitalising on Josh Kerr’s sin-binning in the 74th minute to level the score and force a golden point.

Despite the eventual 28-26 loss, sealed by Nathan Cleary’s 42-metre drop goal, the Dolphins’ performance against the premiers has raised their stock considerably. Their ability to push the Panthers to the limit in enemy territory bodes well for their finals aspirations.

Dolphins vs Titans

The Titans, six points outside the top eight, enter the match after a loss to Manly, breaking a three-game winning streak that included a commanding 66-6 victory over the Warriors.

The Dolphins hold a perfect record against the Titans, winning all three of their previous encounters. Their most recent matchup saw the Dolphins overcome a slow start to claim a 30-14 victory, with Jack Bostock scoring his first career try double.

Currently sitting seventh on the ladder with a 9-8 record, the Dolphins have lost three of their last four matches. However, their competitive showing against Penrith suggests they’re hitting form at the right time.

The Titans, despite their recent struggles, boast a strong record at Suncorp Stadium, having won three of their past four games at the venue.

The matchup pits two experienced coaches against each other, with Wayne Bennett holding a 21-11 head-to-head advantage over Des Hasler. Bennett’s recent record is particularly impressive, having won his last six games against Hasler-coached teams.

Read: Redcliffe High School Alum Leaps from Local Track to Olympic Glory: Extraordinary Journey to Paris of Liam Adcock

As the regular season enters its final stages, this clash holds significant implications for both teams. The Dolphins aim to solidify their finals position in just their second NRL season, while the Titans look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Published 23-July-2024

Dolphins vs Rabbitohs: Phins Look to Rebound Against Resurgent South Sydney

The Dolphins aim to halt their recent slide as they host the in-form South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Round 19 clash this Thursday, July 11. Dolphins vs Rabbitohs kick off 7:50 p.m. at Kayo Stadium.

Read: Redcliffe Show Parking Made Clear: Resident’s DIY Approach Wins Praise

Dolphins vs Rabbitohs

Coming off a bye week, the Dolphins face significant lineup changes as they prepare to tackle the Rabbitohs. Head coach Wayne Bennett has been forced to reshuffle his pack due to injuries and suspensions. Max Plath steps into the crucial hooker role, filling in for the sidelined Jeremy Marshall-King.

In a milestone match, Kenny Bromwich will make his 250th NRL appearance, slotting into the lock position.

The Dolphins receive a boost with the return of Jack Bostock on the wing after clearing concussion protocols. The prolific try-scorer, with 11 tries this season, aims to bolster the team’s attacking prowess. Tevita Pangai Junior earns his first start for the club in the front row, while Ray Stone and Sean O’Sullivan return to provide impact from the bench.

However, the Dolphins will miss the services of Origin stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi, who are on Queensland duty for the decider.

On the other hand, the Rabbitohs enter the match riding a wave of confidence, having secured five consecutive victories, notching up 28 tries to 12 in those games. However, they too will be without key players, including captain Cam Murray (NSW Origin duty) and fullback Latrell Mitchell (foot injury).

Recent dip in form

The Dolphins are looking to reverse their fortunes after a challenging period. Their last outing before the bye week resulted in a 26-6 defeat to the St. George Illawarra Dragons. In that match, the Dolphins struggled with discipline, conceding nine penalties and losing players to injuries and a sin-bin.

Coach Wayne Bennett emphasised the need to reduce mistakes, stating, “We just lost our way. It was our mistakes, they had 26 sets in the second half to our 13 and nine penalties to our three, so you can’t play in the NRL with that many mistakes.”

Read: Woody Point to Host MasterChef Star at Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival

The clash between the Dolphins and Rabbitohs marks a critical juncture for both teams as they navigate through injuries, suspensions, and the absence of Origin players in their quest for a spot at the finals.

Published 09-July-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.

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.

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