The Dolphins are poised to make waves as they enter the 2025 NRL season, guided by new coach Kristian Woolf following the departure of Wayne Bennett. The looming question remains: can they break free from the post-Bennett narrative and secure their maiden finals berth?
The departure of Wayne Bennett, revered as one of rugby league's greatest coaches, has created both anticipation and uncertainty. Over the years, teams have struggled to replicate their prior success after Bennett's exit. Most pundits are skeptical, predicting the Dolphins will not make the top eight. Some even speculate they could finish last. Yet, past performance tells us to be cautious about writing them off.
Indeed, the Dolphins spent significant time within the top eight during 2024, only to falter late due to injuries and depth issues. Woolf, who has previously showcased his coaching prowess with three Super League titles and success with Tonga, is setting the stage for a stronger season. Reports suggest he has already made significant strides in pre-season training, enhancing the squad's preparedness. One player to watch is Isaiya Katoa, who is expected to thrive as he continues to develop after having shown promise during 2024.
Highlighting the Dolphins’ backline, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, dubbed 'The Hammer,' is set to step up as the starting fullback following Trai Fuller’s injury. Complementing him are Herbie Farnworth—2024's Centre of the Year—alongside Jack Bostock, 2024's Rookie of the Year. The squad has depth this season, with key point-scorers Jamayne Isaako and Jake Averillo boosting their offensive capabilities.
Defensive concerns have prompted the Dolphins to bolster their forward pack by recruiting Daniel Saifiti and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, contributing experience and firepower. Saifiti, having represented New South Wales multiple times, will aim to fill the gap left by Jesse Bromwich's retirement. Finefeuiaki’s position will be pivotal, as the forward is seen as ready to make an impact, having played 25 games for the Cowboys last year.
While the lineup has promise, the question remains whether they can outperform expectations. Under Woolf, the Dolphins face their first NRL match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs—the team Bennett now coaches. This opener possesses significant narrative weight, not just as a test of the new coach's vision but also as a litmus test for the players' readiness.
Leading up to the season, Woolf confirmed the rise of unheralded forward Aublix Tawha, who has made his mark during the pre-season and is expected to be part of the extended squad. This demonstrates Woolf's commitment to building depth, which previously hampered the Dolphins' campaign.
“He’s athletic, he’s fit, he trains hard, he’s tough – he’s got a lot of things I really like,” Woolf said of Tawha, highlighting the forward's potential to contribute as they compete against seasoned veterans. The Dolphins will look to combine the youthful energy with the experienced brigade, which includes veterans such as Kenny Bromwich, who will also provide mentorship.
Dolphins lock Ray Stone noted the importance of strong leadership and team synergy. With renewed focus during preseason, there's optimism about consistently performing, especially if injury woes can be kept at bay. Stone believes the blend of current talent can lead to long-term success for the franchise.
Concerns linger, though. The Dolphins' past performances post-Bennett are marred by lack of consistency. Premier league pundits are already hinting at continued struggles, urging fans to prepare for another challenging year. Conversely, there remain faithful supporters within the game who argue the Dolphins have the skills to surprise critics.
With local rivals, the Brisbane Broncos, also eyeing the top eight, competition is fierce. Yet, the Dolphins are no strangers to beating the odds—they’ve proven resilient against skepticism before. This season might just be the moment where their collective growth pays off. If all goes according to plan, could 2025 see the Dolphins leap beyond the shadows of their past and capture their first finals appearance?
Only time will tell, but the energy surrounding the Dolphins this preseason cannot be overlooked. With Woolf's vision and the potential within the current roster, the team could very well pave their way to becoming serious contenders. Expectations will be high, and the pressure is on to deliver—not just for the team but for fans hungry for success.
Watch closely as the season unravels; the Dolphins are ready to make their mark.