In the world of rugby league, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Josh Kerr, the off-contract prop for the Dolphins who is making headlines as he seeks a new deal with the club. The 29-year-old has been a revelation off the bench this season, showcasing his quick play-the-balls, silky offloads, and powerful running as he approaches his 100th NRL match. Kerr's journey to the Dolphins was serendipitously set in motion during a casual card game of 500 with coach Wayne Bennett back in 2020.
After a stellar performance in the Dolphins' recent 30-12 victory over Penrith, where his offload for a try to Connelly Lemuelu drew comparisons to the legendary Arthur Beetson, Kerr is eager to solidify his future with the club. "I get it. It is a business, but I would love to stay a Dolphins player for the rest of my life," Kerr told the Australian Associated Press (AAP). "I wanted to be a one-club player until the Dolphins came in. I have got my first kid on the way, so it is not about me anymore. I will do what is best for my family." His partner, Dijana, is expecting their first child, a boy, on August 10, 2025, adding another layer of motivation for Kerr as he navigates contract negotiations.
Kerr's recruitment to the Dolphins was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was a culmination of years of discussions and strategic planning, dating back to his time in Queensland Origin camp with Bennett. "Me and Wayne were in Queensland Origin camp together in 2020 and tossing up what the next team was going to be," Kerr recounted. "I had been telling people for years that Redcliffe had to be. I was with Wayne playing 500 at cards, which he loves, and I said 'I promise you Wayne, the Dolphins will be the next team in because of how strong their development base is, their facilities and financials'." Kerr's faith in the Dolphins' potential proved prescient, and he was thrilled when Bennett kept his promise to bring him on board once the expansion team was established.
As the Dolphins prepare to face Melbourne on Friday night, April 18, 2025, Kerr's contributions will be crucial. He will come off the bench alongside fellow forwards Felise Kaufusi, Mark Nicholls, and Kenny Bromwich, all of whom are also off-contract, presenting a salary-cap conundrum for the Dolphins. "There's a salary cap and positions in the squad we are working through every day," Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said. "Those things will take care of themselves as the season goes on. If guys are playing good football they get rewarded with contracts." Kerr's performance and determination to remain with the Dolphins will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in those discussions.
Meanwhile, across the NRL landscape, another compelling narrative unfolds as Cameron Ciraldo, the head coach of the Canterbury Bulldogs, prepares to face off against Wayne Bennett, who now leads the South Sydney Rabbitohs, on the same night. Their paths have crossed in a significant way, with Ciraldo's coaching journey reflecting resilience and determination after facing a career setback over a decade ago.
Ciraldo's exit from Newcastle in 2011 came as a shock when Bennett, the incoming coach, decided to overhaul the roster. At that time, Ciraldo, a promising back-rower with 62 NRL games under his belt, faced an uncertain future. "At the age of 26, after 62 NRL games for Cronulla and Newcastle, Ciraldo appeared to be done," a source noted. However, a twist of fate arrived when Phil Gould, the new director of football at Penrith, reached out to Ciraldo, leading to a new chapter in his career.
After playing 32 games for the Panthers, Ciraldo transitioned into coaching, where he excelled, winning multiple premierships as the head coach of Penrith’s under-20s and as an assistant to Ivan Cleary during the Panthers' back-to-back NRL triumphs in 2021-22. Now, at 40 years old, he has emerged as one of the hottest young coaches in the game, leading the Bulldogs to an impressive start this season.
As Ciraldo and Bennett prepare to clash on Good Friday, the anticipation is palpable. Ciraldo currently holds a 2-0 winning record against Bennett, a fact that adds intrigue to their upcoming encounter. "On Good Friday, in front of an anticipated crowd of 70,000, Ciraldo will go head-to-head with the man who once left him pondering the end of the road," reported a sports analyst.
Ciraldo's evolution from a player uncertain about his future to a successful head coach is a testament to his resilience and determination. His former teammates have expressed surprise at his success, with one stating, "He was pretty much over rugby league. He’s the last bloke I’d have picked to become a coach." However, former Knights coach Rick Stone recognized Ciraldo's intelligence and problem-solving abilities, recalling a game where Ciraldo played crucial roles despite injuries to key players.
As the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs prepare to face off, the narratives surrounding both Kerr and Ciraldo highlight the unpredictable and thrilling nature of rugby league. With the stakes high for both players and coaches, fans can expect an exhilarating clash under the lights, as the future of these athletes and their respective teams hangs in the balance.
