Dolphins in a new phase
Despite changes, Surfers confident of success
SURFERS Paradise have launched an international recruiting spree as they strive to regain their Gold Coast District Rugby Union dominance.
The Dolphins, first grade premiers in 2016 and 2017 and runners-up to Griffith University Colleges last year, will take on a vastly different look this season.
Instrumental flyhalf Kris Burton has hung up the boots and handed the coaching reins to South African duo Marius van der Nist and Darren Uys,. As well, there has been mass turnover in the club’s playing roster.
Despite the changes, van der Nist is confident the side can challenge for an immediate return to powerhouse status.
“It’s just about bringing the right people into the club so that we can start building a brand new culture around the players,” he said.
“It looks promising. We have some good players there. We have recruited some guys from overseas so we’re just building again. It’s always a process with a coach, you’re always building.
“For the first time in a long time we are going to have club trials so the guys have to play for their positions.”
Among the fresh faces who will be in Dolphins colours this year is “world class” New Zealander Corey Evers.
“He is 23 years old and he has a young family,” he said.
“His wife is originally from the Gold Coast, so they’re coming back home.
“He is world class. The goal for myself and Darren is to prep him for one year and hopefully get him a big contract somewhere or get him into the NRC (National Rugby Championship).”
Flyhalf James Durston is also coming across from New Zealand, while hooker Chase Campbell has been signed from South Africa.
“We just need to pick up one or two props and then we’re set again,” co-coach van der Nist said.