BENNETT KEEN TO GO OUT WITH BANG
Can the Dolphins make the NRL finals in their second season? In his final year as head coach before handing over the reins to Kristian Woolf, Wayne Bennett certainly believes so.
The NRL’s newest club has recruited well and boasts more depth than in their inaugural campaign last year, that started with a bang before ending with a whimper.
BACKS
The Dolphins boast a very strong backline that has strikepower across it.
Fullback Hamiso TabuaiFidow had a breakout season last year after being handed the No.1 jersey and is only going to get better.
Jamayne Isaako scored a season-record 24 tries on the wing and Jack Bostock looks like a promising prospect.
The Dolphins have landed a prime centre signing in Herbie Farnworth from the Broncos and have another three options in Tesi Niu, Jake Averillo and Valynce Te Whare. There’s plenty of points in this backline.
SPINE
There are a few question marks around the make-up of the Dolphins’ best spine and they could do with some luck on the injury front. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a lock at fullback and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King was one of their best players last year when he was on the field.
Sean O’Sullivan and Isaiya Katoa look like the first-choice playmakers, but Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford are experienced options floating around in the background. It makes for strong competition at Redcliffe.
FORWARDS
The Dolphins’ forward pack is ageing and it’s important Bennett finds the right mix of youth and experience. Origin and Test prop Tom Flegler is a great signing from the Broncos as he is entering the prime of his career.
Foundation Storm recruits Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi may be past their best years, but can still be meaningful contributors.
Props Jarrod Wallace, Josh Kerr and Mark Nicholls are also getting on. However the likes of Tom Gilbert, Connelly Lemuelu and Oryn Keeley should inject some energy into the pack.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was a revelation for the Dolphins last year after leaving the Cowboys. ‘The Hammer’ took his game to another level at Redcliffe and it looks like he is far from finished. With speed to burn and instinctive brilliance, Tabuai-Fidow could quickly become one of the NRL’s most damaging players if he continues his trajectory.