The Dolphins are the NRL's 17th club

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The Mole: Oliver Gildart set to become the latest Dolphins signing
https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-20...liver-gildart/

The Mole: Oliver Gildart set to become the latest Dolphins signing
Struggling Wests Tigers centre Oliver Gildart is set to become the latest signing for Wayne Bennett's Dolphins.

But before the 25-year-old joins the NRL's new franchise, he will have a brief spell with Super League club Leeds for the remainder of the season.

A Great Britain and England Test centre, Gildart came to the Tigers this season from Wigan with high hopes of making it in the NRL. But he has found life Down Under to be difficult and has not been able to hold his place in the battling Tigers side.

He is currently languishing in the NSW Cup and the Dolphins' decision to sign him comes as something of a surprise.

Gildart has a year to run on his contract at Concord but the Tigers will be more than happy to grant him a release.

He started the year in the top grade but after failing to make an impression, was dropped to NSW Cup.

[DIEHARD]

Wayne Bennett’s retirement date, Dolphins coach replacement revealed
https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...ment-revealed/

As Wayne Bennett continues to assemble the Dolphins’ inaugural team, a succession plan is also in the works, with his retirement set to come sooner than expected.

Peter Badel

Wayne Bennett’s remarkable 50-year coaching career is coming to an end under plans for Kristian Woolf to succeed the master mentor at the Dolphins in 2025.

News Corp can reveal Woolf is Bennett’s ‘Chosen One’, with the Dolphins in the advanced stages of negotiating a multimillion-dollar deal for the Tonga national coach to join the NRL’s new 17th franchise next season.

With the Dolphins’ historic first pre-season just three months away, Bennett is putting together his coaching dream team, set to include:

* Woolf signing a four or five-year deal as his chief assistant, ending months of speculation over Bennett’s right-hand man for the Dolphins’ foundation year in the NRL;

* St Helens coach Woolf has been told in secret talks he will serve two years as an assistant with a view to succeeding Bennett as Dolphins head coach in 2025;

* That scenario would see Bennett retire as a head coach at the end of 2024 aged 74. He will move into a consultancy role with the Dolphins; and

* Dean Young, a current assistant to Cowboys coach Todd Payten, has been sounded out by the Dolphins to join Bennett’s team next season and become Woolf’s chief deputy in 2025.

The Dolphins machinations are evidence Bennett, the code’s greatest coach, is plotting his retirement after an incredible career spanning five decades.

The 72-year-old signed a three-year deal to become the Dolphins’ foundation coach, but it is understood he would serve for only two campaigns before passing the baton to Woolf, who has won Challenge Cup and Super League titles at St Helens.

Contacted by News Corp on Wednesday night, Woolf - off-contract at St Helens at season’s end - declined to comment, but confirmed the Dolphins’ interest.

Woolf has yet to formally ink a deal, but the Dolphins are privately confident they have got their man.

Just last month, Woolf was approached to replace Nathan Brown at the Warriors, only to knock back the offer, fuelling the belief the 46-year-old from Mt Isa is ready to return to his home state to work alongside Bennett at the Dolphins.

Bennett is the Immortal of NRL coaching. He delivered all six premierships to the Broncos, won a seventh at the Dragons in 2010 and, in 2011, was voted the greatest coach in history ahead of Jack Gibson, Bob Fulton, Phil Gould and Harry Bath at the Men of League’s annual ball.

For several years, Bennett has been tight-lipped about his expiry date as a head coach, but his succession plan for Woolf is proof the Broncos legend is ready to walk away.

It is understood Bennett will not entertain another head-coaching job. He will move into another role with the Dolphins, helping shape the new franchise’s culture, be a sounding board for Woolf and preside over the NRL’s 17th team development structures.

The Dolphins ideally want a Queenslander to succeed Bennett and Woolf ticks that box.

While replacing Bennett is akin to batting after Bradman, the super coach has been impressed with Woolf, regarded as a no-nonsense straight shooter who took the Cowboys under-20s and Queensland Cup side Townsville Blackhawks to respective grand finals.

Woolf was also the mastermind of Tonga’s fairytale surge to the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup.

Bennett declined to comment on Wednesday night but last month confirmed Woolf, who has yet to coach in the NRL, is on his Dolphins hit list.

“I would be interested in Kristian, plus a couple of others,” Bennett said.

“I’m not sure what will play out. I imagine there are a few clubs interested in Kristian, he is a good young coach and yes, he is one of about four guys we are interested in.

“We’re still a while away from starting up so I can take my time. We know who the head coach is. I will get my ducks in order first and then I will see what our succession plan is.”

As part of the succession plan, Bennett has also reached out to Young, his one-time hooker in the Dragons’ 2010 premiership win.

Bennett hopes to have Young on board next season before being promoted as Woolf’s chief lieutenant in 2025, but the Cowboys have vowed to fight to keep the highly-regarded assistant in Townsville.

Young is contracted to the Cowboys until the end of next season, but has a clause in his deal that allows him to leave early to be an NRL head coach.

“All our assistant staff are tied in with Todd Payten,” Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck said.

“Dean has been a wonderful influence for our group and a great support for Todd since the day he got here. In a pretty difficult year last season, his attitude, work ethic and principles never wavered and that’s been the same this year.

“For most young coaches, being a head coach is the end game for them.

“Dean has the qualities to be a good NRL coach. I can’t second guess what Dean’s personal desire and circumstances are but we love what he is doing here.

“He has been great for our group, great for Todd and I hope he is here for a long time to come.”

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Redcliffe Dolphins prepare massive offer for Cameron Munster

https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/n

The Dolphins are refusing to give up hope of poaching Queensland Origin star Cameron Munster and are prepared to make him the NRL’s richest player with an irresistible offer.

Peter Badel
and
Travis Meyn

WAYNE Bennett’s Dolphins will table the richest deal in NRL history in a bid to blow Melbourne out of the water and make Cameron Munster the highest-paid player in rugby league.

News Corp can reveal the Dolphins are ready to offer Munster up to $1.3 million a season – and the NRL’s new franchise could cleverly use a salary cap strategy to ensure the $5 million mega deal does not blow their budget.

The Storm may have blocked any chance of Munster joining the Dolphins for their foundation season in 2023, but Bennett will not go away and has upped the ante to ensure he poaches the Queensland Origin ace for 2024.

Furious Melbourne have formally complained to the NRL about the Dolphins making illegal overtures to steal Munster, who is contracted to the Storm until the end of 2023.

But Bennett insists the Dolphins are not breaking any rules and the super coach is going for the jugular in a desperate bid to land his marquee signing for the 17th team’s second season in 2024.

Munster’s manager Braith Anasta confirmed the Dolphins’ interest. He insists there has been no formal talks or meetings with Bennett, but that will happen when Munster can be formally signed from November 1.

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That’s when the Dolphins will strike with a head-spinning offer Munster will find almost impossible to refuse.

Bennett was initially prepared to offer a four-year deal worth $1 million a season, but with pressure building on the Dolphins after missing a host of big guns – headlined by Brandon Smith, Harry Grant and Kalyn Ponga – the super coach will raise the bar.

The Dolphins have the scope to pay Munster $1.3 million annually.

No club in the NRL’s 24-year history has paid a player $1.3m a season under the salary cap.

It would eclipse Queensland Origin skipper Daly Cherry-Evans’ record $1.25 million deal at Manly, while Dragons halfback Ben Hunt ($1.2m), Roosters fullback James Tedesco ($1.1m) and Sea Eagles sensation Tom Trbojevic ($1.1m) are the NRL’s other top salary earners.

But Munster would be the NRL’s richest man at Redcliffe – and here’s how the Dolphins plan to fund the big-money poaching raid.

Under NRL rules, clubs must spend at least 95 per cent of their salary cap annually. The NRL’s payment ceiling for the 2022 season is $9.4 million, but that is expected to increase in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) currently being negotiated.

Given the Dolphins have had trouble landing a marquee player, they could underspend on their inaugural 2023 salary cap. That would give the Dolphins an extra $470,000 buffer in their 2024 salary cap to bankroll an irresistible $1.3m offer for Munster.

Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said Queensland’s fourth team would operate within the NRL’s stringent salary cap rules to build long-term success.

“There are rules and regulations around how you can spend your salary cap,” Reader said.

“There will be a new number in the CBA for 2023 onwards and we will fall in line with whatever parameters are put in place.

“Our biggest focus is making sure we’ve got a squad, team and club that will be successful.

“That’s not about building a club for 2023, but also for the future.”

In recent months, Melbourne have retained their Big Three of Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen, but the upgraded deals will limit what they can afford under the cap to retain Munster.

There has been contractual tensions between Munster and the Storm.

In the wake of his white-powder scandal last year, the Maroons maestro was close to signing a two-year, $750,000-a-season extension with Melbourne on the eve of the 2022 premiership.

Anasta, who took over as Munster‘s new manager in March, stepped in at the eleventh hour and advised his client not to sign anything with anyone.

Former NSW Origin star Anasta believed Munster was being undervalued, and the 27-year-old’s scintillating form this season has since vindicated his agent’s assessment.

Melbourne are keen to seek clarity from Munster to plan their salary-cap and roster for 2023 and beyond, but Anasta indicated the two-time premiership pivot will test his value on the open market and will not accept less than $1 million-a-season.

“Melbourne want an answer but we’re not going to rush into anything,” he said.

“I’ve always felt Cam is worth at least $1 million a season and he is showing that in the way he is playing this season. He went through some tough times last year but he has fought back well this year and I won’t be undervaluing Cameron.

“The Dolphins are a genuine option. Despite what’s being said, I haven’t had any formal talks with the Dolphins, but it’s clear they have missed a few big fish and they will have a lot of money in the cap if they want Cameron for 2024.

“There’s a lot of factors to weigh up. The decision Cameron needs to make is what’s going to be the best for him, the best for his lifestyle and the best for his family.

“That will definitely come into it. Cameron has no issues with the Storm, he loves Melbourne and so does his partner, but he also loves Queensland, where he has family.

“We are in no hurry to sign anything at all, he is contracted to Melbourne for 2023 and he is locked in there.

“The rest will take care of itself.”

Storm chairman Matt Tripp has increased his offer to three years, but Munster faces a sacrifice of up to $2 million over four years if he rejects the Dolphins and stays loyal to Melbourne.

The Dolphins have been pilloried for their recruitment but Reader scoffed at suggestions the new club will be NRL whipping boys.

“We are comfortable with where we’re at. There’s still a long time before March next year,” he said.

“There’s a lot of thrills and spills to play out in the rugby league player market. It’s a very fluid market and things can change very quickly.

“Patience was always our virtue. We are not panicking or concerned at this stage.”

DOLPHINS MAKE SPLASH AS NRL’S NEW CORPORATE KINGS

The Dolphins have joined the Broncos as the financial kings of the NRL, amassing a staggering $10 million corporate empire ahead of their premiership debut next season.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the Dolphins have usurped big guns Melbourne, Penrith, South Sydney and the Roosters with a sponsorship portfolio that vindicates the NRL’s decision to include the much-maligned 17th franchise.

The sponsorship revelations come as the Dolphins slammed criticism of their recruitment and ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys blasted detractors of the Dolphins, backing super coach Wayne Bennett to deliver a finals campaign in their foundation season in 2023.

Dolphins boss Terry Reader confirmed the new franchise is already the second richest team in the league when it comes to corporate support, turning up the heat on Sydney’s posse of cash-strapped clubs.

“Our playing kit (sponsorship) is fully sold and we are travelling very well commercially,” Reader said.

“Our sponsorship book is very healthy and we will probably start next year at number two behind the Broncos in sponsorship revenue based on the last benchmarking results the NRL did.

“There is a good appetite for the Dolphins and we’ve built programs people want to be part of. Given Brisbane has been a one-team town for so long, a lot of companies have been locked out (of sponsorship opportunities).

“There is a lot of interest and we’ve signed some blue-chip companies from day one.”

A $10 MILLION POWERHOUSE

The Dolphins were never going to be short of cash when it came to entering the NRL.

With the $100 million Redcliffe juggernaut behind them – which boasts shopping centres and a leagues club as part of its assets portfolio – the NRL had few concerns about the Dolphins going broke.

But the NRL’s newcomers have been buoyed by the support of big-name brands wanting to jump on-board for their formative years in first grade and they will carry $10 million of sponsorship backing into their inaugural season.

“We always knew it was going to be strong,” Reader said of the corporate support.

“Having spent 16 years at the Broncos, and running the commercial program, I knew the interest and that this market was very different because the Broncos had such a big book of sponsors that have been around for a long time.

“A lot of categories have had no opportunity to get involved in the NRL in this market.

“During the bid process we had strong interest throughout. We signed Adventure Kings before we even won the bid, on the proviso we won.

“Our apparel partner, Classic, has been wonderful by allowing us to get merchandise in before Christmas. People don’t realise what a big effort that was.

“We were the third biggest selling NRL team over the Christmas period behind the Broncos and Panthers (2021 premiers), which is a great indicator of the excitement and appetite.”

THE RECRUITMENT JIBES

While the Dolphins are flying off the field, the club’s recruitment drive hasn’t enjoyed the same success.

Bennett recently admitted the Dolphins’ foundation hadn’t gone as smoothly as he hoped and they are still yet to sign a genuine marquee player to launch the club.

The Dolphins have earned the ire of reigning premiers Penrith for raiding their junior base, with the Panthers bemoaning the poaching of young guns Isaiya Katoa, Harry Hassett, Mason Teague and John Paul Donevski.

“We (Redcliffe) have been supplying NRL players to the competition for the last 35 years,” Reader said. “The Queensland halfback and captain (Daly Cherry-Evans) is a Redcliffe junior who started his career here as an eight-year-old at the Dolphins.

“We’ve got to sign 34 players in 12 months. We’ve already set up our academies and elite game development programs from Rockhampton to Brisbane. We had eight players in the Queensland under-15s side that played in the nationals and four in the opens.

“We haven’t just been worried about signing NRL players. We’re setting up the whole network and process from day one to make sure we are a strong club for many years to come.”

While the Dolphins have targeted Penrith’s junior base and rival NRL clubs, they have so far mostly ignored their local catchment when it comes to signing players for their top squad.

Reader said the Dolphins were bolstering their junior stocks with local products that would feed the NRL team for years to come.

“We have, most of those 15-year-olds are Redcliffe juniors from the Moreton Bay area,” he said. “We have got to sign 34 players that can play from next year so we’ll be taking the best we can get and players that can be part of our future moving forward.

“Those guys from our area and catchment can’t play NRL next year. It’s not just about 2023. It’s about building a club for the future with the right foundations that is also ready to go in March next year.”

SILENCING THE CRITICS

There is no doubt the Dolphins were going to be up against it given the time frame they were given to prepare for their launch.

With the turbulence of Covid impacting the NRL’s expansion process, the Dolphins were given just 12 months to prepare for their inaugural pre-season.

By the time they were awarded the NRL licence last October, many of the game’s biggest names had been re-signed by their current clubs beyond 2023, making recruitment difficult.

The NRL has come under fire for rushing Redcliffe into the competition and not offering the club special support or salary cap concessions, but V’landys hit back at critics and the Dolphins’ progress.

“The criticism of the Dolphins has been a total over-reaction,” he said.

“People keep doubting Wayne Bennett and they do that at their peril. His strategy of signing some experienced role models and players who have won premierships, to mix with the substantial junior base they have there, is very astute.

“I think Wayne Bennett can’t wait for the season to start because he will prove everyone wrong. They can make the finals in their first season.

“This is a long-term project. The Dolphins will have a new generation of Selwyn Cobbos and Payne Haas’ coming through, so the NRL is not concerned at all. I think the players Wayne has signed, coupled with their junior base, they are going to surprise people.

“What critics can’t see is their massive catchment of kids coming through. They can be the Penrith of Queensland.

“We never considered assistance for the Dolphins because we knew the whole strategy was around juniors, development and participation.”

DOLPHINS READY TO PUT ON A SHOW

Reader said the Dolphins knew what they were signing up for when they bid for an NRL licence and had no complaints.

“You’ve never heard the Dolphins complain or whinge,” he said.

“We knew what we were dealing with and we realised when you’ve got to sign 34 players in a 12-month period it was going to have peaks and troughs. We’re comfortable with where we are at.

“It’s going like we thought it would be. We’re just being patient. If we’ve got to wait 12 months to get the right player we will. We’re not going to spend marquee money on someone that’s not a marquee player.”

The Dolphins are growing exponentially from a one-man bid chief in Reader to 60 full-time staff when pre-season begins in November.

They have set up academies from Rockhampton to Redcliffe and appointed a full-time development official in the Wide Bay region to target Bundaberg to the Sunshine Coast.

With 26 players signed, their foundation squad is taking shape and Reader said there was more good news to come for Dolphins fans.

“There is a lot happening in a 12-month period,” he said.

“Our plan and strategy that we presented to the NRL is on track as planned. There is a lot to be positive about.

“It’s really important how you set up. You’ve got to start how you want to finish so we’re setting up those programs from day one.

“The reality is we don’t get any salary cap dispensation or special treatment. We have to make sure we’re ready to go and that’s what we’re doing.”

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Woolf joins Bennett in coaching 'dream team'
https://www.dolphinsnrl.com.au/

The Dolphins have snared the hottest coaching property in world rugby league with the signing of Kristian Woolf on a long-term deal.

Woolf, the current St Helens coach in the English Super League, will be the assistant to Wayne Bennett, the greatest grand final-winning coach in Australian rugby league.

It brings together a coaching dream team for the Dolphins, who will debut in the NRL in season 2023.

Woolf is the man who has led the Tongan revolution in international rugby league, transforming the tiny Pacific Island nation from Test minnow into a celebrated powerhouse.

Along the way Tonga defeated New Zealand and Great Britain, and then became the first Tier Two nation in 40 years to defeat the Australian Kangaroos.

In 2020 the former Cowboys, Broncos and Knights’ assistant took up an opportunity with English glamour club St Helens.

Under Woolf St Helens has won the last two English Super League Grand Finals, the 2021 Challenge Cup Final, and have just claimed the 2022 English Super League minor premiership.

Bennett said Woolf had amassed a strong coaching resume that made him the Dolphins’ number-one target for the position.

“Kristian has done his time as both an assistant and a head coach and done everything right to deserve this opportunity,” said Bennett.

“He has been an assistant at a couple of different NRL clubs, has been a head coach in the Queensland Cup, and has had a lot of success coaching in England over the last few years.

“Kristian has done the deal to bring his family home to Queensland and I am certain he is going to be a great asset to the Dolphins and is next in line as head coach of the club.”

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said it was no secret that Woolf had significant interest from other NRL clubs as a head coach.

“There is no doubt that gaining Woolf’s signature is a significant coup for the Dolphins,” said Reader.

“He has produced success wherever he goes and that has made him one of the most sought-after young coaches in rugby league.

“He is also a Queenslander, so understands the proud history and the importance of the success of the Dolphins.

“Bringing him together with Wayne Bennett gives confidence to the players we have signed to be part of our first season, and those that are considering coming to the club.

“It also gives the Dolphins great stability and a long-term plan for our coaching ranks and underlines our board’s designated model of building a club for the future, not just 2023.”

Woolf will join the Dolphins at the conclusion of Tonga’s World Cup commitments in November.

Kristian Woolf
Born July 6, 1975 (Mt Isa, Qld)

Coaching Career (CLUB)
2009-2011: Cowboys NYC under-20s coach (Grand Finalists 2011)

2012-2014: Broncos NRL assistant coach

2015-2018: Townsville Blackhawks head coach (Grand Finalists 2015)

2019: Newcastle Knights assistant coach; interim head coach (2 matches)

2020-2022: St Helens head coach (English Super League champions 2020-21; Challenge Cup winners 2021; 2022 English Super League minor premiers)

Coaching Career (INTERNATIONAL)
2014-2022: Tonga head coach (2017 Rugby League World Cup semi-finalists; 2019 victories over Great Britain and Australian Kangaroos)

[DIEHARD]

Dolphins 2023 Season Memberships on sale now.

Season tickets launched with home locked in
https://www.dolphinsnrl.com.au/news/...ome-locked-in/

The Dolphins have locked in for seven huge events at Suncorp Stadium next year as they open season ticket sales to the public for their 2023 entry to the NRL.

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader joined his Suncorp Stadium counterpart Alan Graham today to confirm the deal to play the majority of their home games at the spiritual home of Queensland rugby league.

It is expected these seven games will include their debut match against an opposition team to be named when the NRL draw is released sometime in the next couple of months, as well as massive Queensland derbies against the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans.

With just 50 days until the Dolphins start their inaugural pre-season in the first week of November, Reader said preparations were going into overdrive.

“This is a huge day for the Dolphins,” said Reader.

“We are confirmed as playing the majority of our home matches at the best rugby league ground in the world.

“And for the first time today the general public can purchase season tickets that include our seven matches at Suncorp Stadium and the three home games set down for Moreton Daily Stadium at Redcliffe.

“Already this week we have seen our foundation members purchase thousands of season tickets in our pre-sale window, so it is clear the appetite for a second team in the Brisbane market to represent southern Queensland is strong.

“We welcome aboard all those rugby league fans who are keen to come along on the ride with head coach Wayne Bennett and Queensland’s newest professional sports team.”

One Dolphins NRL ticket holder will also never forget the new team’s first season, with a brand-new car from motor vehicle partner Village Motors being offered as a membership prize.

All those who join as a ticketed season member before December 1 will go into the draw for the new car.

Seven-game tickets for use at every Dolphins’ home game at Suncorp Stadium can be purchased for as low as $105, with a family of four able to attend those seven matches for a total cost of $270.

Ten-game tickets that cover the matches at both Suncorp Stadium and Moreton Daily Stadium are available from just $325 per adult.

Click here to visit the Dolphins Membership site.

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Calls for Dolphins-Roosters NRL opener
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/calls-do...044711822.html

New NRL franchise the Dolphins will play seven games at Suncorp Stadium next year and the family of rugby league Immortal Arthur Beetson is behind a push for the round-one clash to be against the Sydney Roosters at the venue.

Indigenous icon Beetson won two titles with the Roosters in 1974 and 1975 and book-ended his career with stints at Redcliffe (1964-65 and 1981).

Brad Beetson, the son of Arthur, said he had been in talks with the Roosters about the potential blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.

"As a family we'd love to see it. It would be massive. It was one of dad's dreams," Beetson told AAP.

Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said the club's intention was to make their first game at Suncorp Stadium one to remember.

"The draw is a very complex beast and we have been really up front with the NRL right from our pitch that we'd love to play our opening game here at Suncorp Stadium against the Roosters to honour Arthur Beetson," Reader said.

"He wrote in his (autobiography) that it was his dream before he died to see the Dolphins play the Roosters in the NRL and we can't wait to bring that to life for his family and honour him with that game."

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said he appreciated the inspirational Beetson storyline with the clubs.

He said head office was always thinking of ways in which they could optimise the draw for clubs and fans and meet the requests clubs submit.

"This is a request we are considering as part of that overall process," Abdo told AAP.

Beetson said he hoped the NRL would grant a request that made perfect sense.

"I know the Roosters are behind it.

"The Dolphins is where dad started his career and our family is Gubbi Gubbi, so that relationship just makes sense too.

"A massive number of players have represented the Roosters and Dolphins and that is basically because of the relationship dad had with (Dolphins chairman) Bob Jones."

As Reader spoke to reporters alongside Suncorp Stadium general manager Alan Graham to announce the historic stadium deal, the electronic billboards at the ground read 'Home of the Dolphins'.

It represented a seismic shift in professional rugby league in Brisbane with Suncorp Stadium set to host two NRL tenants for the first time since its reopening in 2003 after a two-year redevelopment.

"We think there is enough appetite in the rugby league community to support two clubs in Brisbane and we think the Dolphins are going to generate a lot of support here," Graham said.

Graham confirmed the stadium would be quarantined for the FIFA Women's World Cup in July and August next year where the playing surface would only be available to teams playing in the tournament.

That will pose a logistical challenge for the NRL with the draw, but playing into the Dolphins hands is that they will host three games next year at Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe.

[DIEHARD]

I think a Beetson trophy between the Dolphins and Roosters would be wonderful.

That's how you build culture, history, interest, prestige and rivalry.

Calling your biggest game the "Maccas Local Derby" is certainly not.

I mark the Dolphins down for not making way for some type of supporter area. Which is a huge own goal, as it would have been a big contrast to the Broncos and places a steering wheel in the hands of club and fans to better enhance the atmosphere. I thought that their connect with the Roar (Who play at Dolphin Oval) would have rubbed off. But oh well.

Dolphins membership really leaves a lot to be desired for me. Spelling mistakes on seating plans. Once again, asking for fans to part with money and offering no images or mock-up merchandise of Membership benefits. Just waves and waves of text. Let's use our imagination. LOL

As a North Brisbane boy with a few connections to the Dolphins, I did sign up for a membership for 2023. Still waiting on any kind of confirmation email. I did take a screenshot of my computer screen. But this is beyond belief. They will have to lift their game big time, especially managing one fanbase and three home grounds.

[DIEHARD]

I remember the 2006 Grand Final where they took the opportunity to introduce the Titans during the pre-match program.

I wonder if they will do the same for the Dolphins. I believe it is very important.

Dolphins will launch their Home jersey tomorrow.

[DIEHARD]

Dolphins snare Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow from Cowboys
https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/

Wayne Bennett has the strike weapon he has been craving as the Dolphins pulled off a major signing coup for the supercoach.

The Dolphins have landed the key signing of rising Maroons speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on a multi-year deal for their inaugural season.

After months of searching for a marquee fullback, the Dolphins are expected to confirm the signing of the North Queensland flyer once he is granted a release from the final 12 months of his deal with the Cowboys.

Despite signing Tabuai-Fidow, the Dolphins have not given up hope of also securing Dragons youngster Tyrell Sloan. Sloan, who is also considered a long-term fullback, was denied a release from St George Illawarra to join the Dolphins last month.

The Dolphins view Sloan as a potential centre option and they still want to secure him despite the impending arrival of Tabuai-Fidow.

Tabuai-Fido will sign a deal to join the Dolphins for up to the next three seasons. The 21-year-old lost the starting fullback spot at North Queensland to Scott Drinkwater this year. Drinkwater has since gone on to ink a long-term deal with the Cowboys, leaving Tabuai-Fidow on the outs.

The Dolphins were in the mix for Reece Walsh but his decision to join the Broncos meant they had to take a different tack.

Tabuai-Fidow played centre for Queensland in the Origin decider last year. He has already played 50 top grade games but spent a lot of time on North Queensland’s bench this year.

While North Queensland have huge wraps on the local junior, they don’t want to block the progress of a potential NRL superstar who fell behind Scott Drinkwater in the battle for the No.1 jumper this season.

Tabuai-Fidow is capable of playing wing and centre, but his preference is to be a fully-fledged fullback — and the Dolphins are ready to accommodate his wishes.

The Cairns product started the 2022 premiership at fullback, only to suffer an injury in round four, opening the door for Drinkwater to return to the backfield after a month in the Queensland Cup.

Drinkwater went on to produce the best football of his career, spearheading the Cowboys’ charge to the top four with a burst of form that saw him handed a monster five-year extension.

When the Cowboys signed Drinkwater until the end of 2027, The Hammer felt he was on borrowed time in Townsville.

That sentiment was fuelled by his limited game time during the finals, with Tabuai-Fidow playing a total of just seven minutes off the bench in the Cowboys playoff matches against Cronulla and Parramatta.

He will give the Dolphins some attacking X-factor at fullback as part of a spine containing Anthony Milford, Sean O’Sullivan and Jeremy Marshall-King.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have bolstered their roster by signing four Central Queensland Capras rookies. Playmaker Radean Robinson and forward trio Bailey Butler, Lachlan Hubner and Tyler Szepanowski have been handed train-and-trial deals after impressing in the Queensland Cup.

[hammer]

Personally I am truly excited for the entry of the Dolphins in 2023 for many reasons. Our family does have some connection to the Redcliffe area and they have some very passionate fans. Secondly, it is a club that has significant financial clout and won’t be a burden on the league IMO…and more importantly the Titans will no longer be the biggest off-field threats to the Broncos. Expect a relentless assault of sensationalism and bias by NewsCorp directed at the Dolphins leading up to and during their inaugural season…Brisbane Broncos is 68.87% (according to Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NRL_club_owners ) owned by NewsCorp and the Dolphins will be their biggest threat to their profit margins that the Titans were once considered in their football supporter and sponsorship market. IMO it will allow us Titans a greater capacity to fly under the radar.

[DIEHARD]

and more importantly the Titans will no longer be the biggest off-field threats to the Broncos. Expect a relentless assault of sensationalism and bias by NewsCorp directed at the Dolphins leading up to and during their inaugural season…Brisbane Broncos is 68.87% (according to Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NRL_club_owners ) owned by NewsCorp and the Dolphins will be their biggest threat to their profit margins that the Titans were once considered in their football supporter and sponsorship market. IMO it will allow us Titans a greater capacity to fly under the radar.

You make a really good point there. I agree. Let's see how it plays out.

I can remember how savage the Courier Mail was to the QRL backed Crushers. They may have a slow start next year but they will soon be flying.

[Titanic]

Bennett gets Ese’ese but misses Munster, make my day. How long before D. Fifita gets rolled out for the ‘Fins?

[Hail Sezer]

Bennett gets Ese’ese but misses Munster, make my day. How long before D. Fifita gets rolled out for the ‘Fins?

The desperation is going to equate to dollar figures soon enough and I really do think Fifita will be an easy target for Bennett

They're going hard at a lot of the best SEQ juniors (Broncos, Titans) that each of the respective clubs have put years of time and resources into developing as well. Dolphins are actively "offering" contracted U18 players (via their manager, non-formal) big money to lure them. I generally can't stand the Broncos but the fact that 18 year old Karl Oloapu is requesting an immediate release when he's contracted until the end of 2025 all because Bennett & co are offering him bigger money sooner is just irresponsible.

I can assure you they've been trying to get Keano Kini with the same strategy as well.

[JunctionBlock]

The desperation is going to equate to dollar figures soon enough and I really do think Fifita will be an easy target for Bennett

They're going hard at a lot of the best SEQ juniors (Broncos, Titans) that each of the respective clubs have put years of time and resources into developing as well. Dolphins are actively "offering" contracted U18 players (via their manager, non-formal) big money to lure them. I generally can't stand the Broncos but the fact that 18 year old Karl Oloapu is requesting an immediate release when he's contracted until the end of 2025 all because Bennett & co are offering him bigger money sooner is just irresponsible.

I can assure you they've been trying to get Keano Kini with the same strategy as well.

Well we knew what another competitor up the road was going to do and that sounds like it will just be the start unfortunately

[DIEHARD]

Was hoping they'd actually land some marquee signings to soak up most of their money. A lot of money is about to be thrown around.

It'll be difficult for the Dolphins but after a few years they will go beyond treading water. They have the money, position and resources.