Round 5: Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans

[Josh]

Team analysis: ​

Rookie coach Kristian Woolf has made just one injury-forced change to his 17 despite the Dolphins winless start to the season. Tom Gilbert is suspended but backrower Connelly Lemuelu returns from a facial injury in a huge boost. Lemuelu starts in the second row as Max Plath shifts to Gilbert’s usual spot at lock. Yes, Woolf has some of his best players injured but if the losing continues, at some point the rookie coach is going to have to give his young guns a crack. Oryn Keeley was named to play his third game in a row last week but was dropped late for veteran prop Kenny Bromwich. Keeley might not have much NRL experience, playing just 10 games since his debut in 2022, but brings the energy the Dolphins so desperately need right now. Mason Teague is another no-nonsense forward who could bring some ticker to a pack which has been outworked most weeks so far this season. The Dolphins would have to make history if they lose on Saturday as no NRL team has played finals after starting the season 0-5.

 

[257Matt]

Team analysis: ​

Rookie coach Kristian Woolf has made just one injury-forced change to his 17 despite the Dolphins winless start to the season. Tom Gilbert is suspended but backrower Connelly Lemuelu returns from a facial injury in a huge boost. Lemuelu starts in the second row as Max Plath shifts to Gilbert’s usual spot at lock. Yes, Woolf has some of his best players injured but if the losing continues, at some point the rookie coach is going to have to give his young guns a crack. Oryn Keeley was named to play his third game in a row last week but was dropped late for veteran prop Kenny Bromwich. Keeley might not have much NRL experience, playing just 10 games since his debut in 2022, but brings the energy the Dolphins so desperately need right now. Mason Teague is another no-nonsense forward who could bring some ticker to a pack which has been outworked most weeks so far this season. The Dolphins would have to make history if they lose on Saturday as no NRL team has played finals after starting the season 0-5.

Thanks Josh. I don't know who wrote this but if the team doesn't aim up and show energy which has been lacking along with fitness & discipline, Woolf will have to make changes to stop the losing rot and save his own career.

 

[Josh]

Thanks Josh. I don't know who wrote this but if the team doesn't aim up and show energy which has been lacking along with fitness & discipline, Woolf will have to make changes to stop the losing rot and save his own career.

Fox sport

 

[Dolphins NRL & Q Cup Fan]

Rookie coaches like wolf won't make drastic changes, they're to scared to, but what does he have to loose.

Look at broncos new coach, Shibasaki was not seen or heard of for awhile, couldn't get a run at knights a few games, cowboys couple games, went to Japanese Rugby, come back to Blackhawks, done a souths preseason.
Got 1 NRL game with souths, now starting NRL week in week out.

Titans this week playing NRL debutant Sean mullany.
Played lock at Mackay for 2 years couldn't get a run a hooker, cutters hooker left Sean only played 10 games last year, got a train & trial, didn't appear in any preseasons trials, now getting his opportunity 26yo at hooker.

Penrith did the same late last year with a player playing Syd shield 3 tiers down from NRL and gave him an opportunity 25yo out of no where.

Tigers did the same this year with Brisbane tigers hooker, 27 NrL debutant Tristan Hope.


There are a few more from other clubs also given opportunities.

So what I'm saying is this , good coaches are willing to give guys opportunities if they perform at training (preseason) or
Q cup games.
But a few coaches are not willing to risk it and put there jobs in jeopardy.
Dolphins have nothing to loose at all.
There are a few questionable top 30 players & Dev players been given contacts.
Some I wouldnt even play.
Some are in BBL and not getting a run in QCup
Doesn't make sense at all
Others in the NRL squad are playing a position that they don't play regularly and if dropped back to QCup won't be playing there position they currently are in the NRL.
So why are they even being picked out of postion..?.?

Examples...
NRL Kurt - Hooker
Qcup Kurt - fullback until trey fuller comes back, then to lock

NRL averillo - centre
Qcup - 5/8

There are plenty other centres and hookers who could do a job better than these 2.
Just my opinion

 

[Equaliser]

Rookie coaches like wolf won't make drastic changes, they're to scared to, but what does he have to loose.

Look at broncos new coach, Shibasaki was not seen or heard of for awhile, couldn't get a run at knights a few games, cowboys couple games, went to Japanese Rugby, come back to Blackhawks, done a souths preseason.
Got 1 NRL game with souths, now starting NRL week in week out.

Titans this week playing NRL debutant Sean mullany.
Played lock at Mackay for 2 years couldn't get a run a hooker, cutters hooker left Sean only played 10 games last year, got a train & trial, didn't appear in any preseasons trials, now getting his opportunity 26yo at hooker.

Penrith did the same late last year with a player playing Syd shield 3 tiers down from NRL and gave him an opportunity 25yo out of no where.

Tigers did the same this year with Brisbane tigers hooker, 27 NrL debutant Tristan Hope.


There are a few more from other clubs also given opportunities.

So what I'm saying is this , good coaches are willing to give guys opportunities if they perform at training (preseason) or
Q cup games.
But a few coaches are not willing to risk it and put there jobs in jeopardy.
Dolphins have nothing to loose at all.
There are a few questionable top 30 players & Dev players been given contacts.
Some I wouldnt even play.
Some are in BBL and not getting a run in QCup
Doesn't make sense at all
Others in the NRL squad are playing a position that they don't play regularly and if dropped back to QCup won't be playing there position they currently are in the NRL.
So why are they even being picked out of postion..?.?

Examples...
NRL Kurt - Hooker
Qcup Kurt - fullback until trey fuller comes back, then to lock

NRL averillo - centre
Qcup - 5/8

There are plenty other centres and hookers who could do a job better than these 2.
Just my opinion

100%! What he's doing (playing blokes out of position) clearly isn't working.

 

[mr_c]

Lol so who we going bring. In we don't have luxury of ready made players yet

 

[mr_c]

Big problem is the fact. He ain't. Got the players in other positions yet to do that when we do have. The luxury. Then yeah we will

 

[mr_c]

Big problem is the fact. He ain't. Got the players in other positions yet to do that when we do have. The luxury. Then yeah we will

You change them to there main positions n you leave other positions out of experience

 

[257Matt]

Fox sport

Thanks Josh. Rare for Fox Sports to write something that's on the point.

 

[Equaliser]

Lol so who we going bring. In we don't have luxury of ready made players yet

There are options. Not many and not that good but better than to keep trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

 

[257Matt]

Rookie coaches like wolf won't make drastic changes, they're to scared to, but what does he have to loose.

Look at broncos new coach, Shibasaki was not seen or heard of for awhile, couldn't get a run at knights a few games, cowboys couple games, went to Japanese Rugby, come back to Blackhawks, done a souths preseason.
Got 1 NRL game with souths, now starting NRL week in week out.

Titans this week playing NRL debutant Sean mullany.
Played lock at Mackay for 2 years couldn't get a run a hooker, cutters hooker left Sean only played 10 games last year, got a train & trial, didn't appear in any preseasons trials, now getting his opportunity 26yo at hooker.

Penrith did the same late last year with a player playing Syd shield 3 tiers down from NRL and gave him an opportunity 25yo out of no where.

Tigers did the same this year with Brisbane tigers hooker, 27 NrL debutant Tristan Hope.


There are a few more from other clubs also given opportunities.

So what I'm saying is this , good coaches are willing to give guys opportunities if they perform at training (preseason) or
Q cup games.
But a few coaches are not willing to risk it and put there jobs in jeopardy.
Dolphins have nothing to loose at all.
There are a few questionable top 30 players & Dev players been given contacts.
Some I wouldnt even play.
Some are in BBL and not getting a run in QCup
Doesn't make sense at all
Others in the NRL squad are playing a position that they don't play regularly and if dropped back to QCup won't be playing there position they currently are in the NRL.
So why are they even being picked out of postion..?.?

Examples...
NRL Kurt - Hooker
Qcup Kurt - fullback until trey fuller comes back, then to lock

NRL averillo - centre
Qcup - 5/8

There are plenty other centres and hookers who could do a job better than these 2.
Just my opinion

Waqa has been named on the bench for the Redcliffe BRL side the grade below QCup. I know what you mean by getting it wrong with the Top 30 and Development spots. I be finding ways to get Nonu and Allen into the NRL squad before Round 11 the good thing is Allen is back from suspension this weekend.

You can't really carry two specialist 9's in the 17 unless both genuine 30-50min players JMK averages 65-75min a game the best option for dummy half when JMK is off is probably Plath because 13 can be covered a lot easier putting Plath into 9 for a short spell. I don't think Woolf has really grasped Plath's role.

Donoghue is being trained into being that utility specialist every club carries on the bench and eventually if the player is good enough they'll evolve into a one position top 13 player. With the advent of HIA's and 8 interchanges you can no longer afford to have 4 rolling forwards on the bench one player is purely a coverage player for the backs and halves. I personally think Averillo and Donoghue should be the 1 and 6 whoever is 1 or 6 is up to the coach once Fuller is back he'll go into fullback.

Fuller has to be one of the first picked in the starting side once he's available.

You talk about rookie coaches unable to make tough calls. Ryles went too far with releasing Gutherson and now can't make the call on Lomax like Woolf can't on Hammer both players have more clout than the coach. Both Lomax and Hammer are assured of Origin selection in their best positions not their favourite positions. Benji to his credit didn't want Bateman or Klemmer at the club and made sure they weren't welcome.

McGuire has come in and promoted 3 players that Walters wasn't looking at and their hard work got them rewarded. McGuire is trying to shift the Broncos culture into a more hard working one. From what I've seen in the first four rounds the Dolphins fitness levels are lower than last year and they weren't the best last year and the side is lacking energy, direction and desire.

 

[Equaliser]

Waqa has been named on the bench for the Redcliffe BRL side the grade below QCup. I know what you mean by getting it wrong with the Top 30 and Development spots. I be finding ways to get Nonu and Allen into the NRL squad before Round 11 the good thing is Allen is back from suspension this weekend.

You can't really carry two specialist 9's in the 17 unless both genuine 30-50min players JMK averages 65-75min a game the best option for dummy half when JMK is off is probably Plath because 13 can be covered a lot easier putting Plath into 9 for a short spell. I don't think Woolf has really grasped Plath's role.

Donoghue is being trained into being that utility specialist every club carries on the bench and eventually if the player is good enough they'll evolve into a one position top 13 player. With the advent of HIA's and 8 interchanges you can no longer afford to have 4 rolling forwards on the bench one player is purely a coverage player for the backs and halves. I personally think Averillo and Donoghue should be the 1 and 6 whoever is 1 or 6 is up to the coach once Fuller is back he'll go into fullback.

Fuller has to be one of the first picked in the starting side once he's available.

You talk about rookie coaches unable to make tough calls. Ryles went too far with releasing Gutherson and now can't make the call on Lomax like Woolf can't on Hammer both players have more clout than the coach. Both Lomax and Hammer are assured of Origin selection in their best positions not their favourite positions. Benji to his credit didn't want Bateman or Klemmer at the club and made sure they weren't welcome.

McGuire has come in and promoted 3 players that Walters wasn't looking at and their hard work got them rewarded. McGuire is trying to shift the Broncos culture into a more hard working one. From what I've seen in the first four rounds the Dolphins fitness levels are lower than last year and they weren't the best last year and the side is lacking energy, direction and desire.

Not Nonu. Not until next year. Wingers are the least of our problems. I agree about Allen.

 

[257Matt]

There are options. Not many and not that good but better than to keep trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

You're right just a shake up like McGuire done bringing in Shibasaki, Gosiewski and Paix.

Last year Paix was completely banished by Walters playing no NRL teams and 20 of Wynnum's 21 games in the QCup.

Gosiewski has been in and out of the grades the only time more than 15 NRL games in a season was 2019. His NSW/QLD Cup appearances similar to his NRL appearances and remember he lost 2020-21 when he was at Manly due to lockdowns.

Shibasaki at the start of the season had played more than double the NSWL/QLD Cup games to NRL games and he was with Newcastle in 2020-21 where the lockdowns cut both seasons down. He was with Townsville last year and played one game with Souths. His hard work got him an NRL start this year and McGuire is picking him over Mariner.

No one now owns their spots at the Broncos and this is why they're working as hard as anyone to make sure they remain in the NRL squad.

I feel too many players at Dolphins know they own their spots and can drop the intensity levels to preserve themselves. Players will naturally give that extra 1% for Bennett, Bellamy or Gould they have awe and presence. Other coaches need to earn that and they do that by making tough decisions. Loyalty only goes so far when results aren't happening because players lose respect and clubs start looking at declining attendances, TV ratings and merchandise sales due to poor results so the coach is fired.

Look at the blind loyalty and control Demetriou gave to Mitchell and what happened to Demetriou? Now all the sudden Mitchell is fit and focused despite injury setbacks he didn't put the hard yards in last year for Demetriou.

 

[mr_c]

kurt aint no uttility , hes there because no one else n he looks average in cup n at test level

like i heard in preview with guys like su'a n knowles coming it his days in nrl are numbered n he be back in cup sides


if juniors n cup level players were ready they be there they not simple as that , they will need 12 months

 

[257Matt]

Not Nonu. Not until next year. Wingers are the least of our problems. I agree about Allen.

Tupou been a dud signing and doesn't even look fit or interested.

Isaako has only had 3 good seasons in his career ironically the 3 seasons Bennett coached him this is a major concern for me.

Nonu is currently on a glorified 12-month train & trial deal under the guise of a transition deal so he's on the verge of a development deal anyways he's a little bit more advanced than the other players on the transition deals. Nonu is eligible for NRL selection from Round 11 and if he continues his progression and Dolphins aren't showing any results I wouldn't be shocked if he gets a game especially if the coach finally says enough with blind loyalty.

I have a big wrap on Charlie Dickson another player on a transition deal but he only turned 18 days after that trial against Capras.

Glad someone agrees with me on Allen. The washout and bye in the first four rounds for Redcliffe has meant his two game ban has been drawn out over 4 rounds.

 

[mr_c]

You're right just a shake up like McGuire done bringing in Shibasaki, Gosiewski and Paix.

Last year Paix was completely banished by Walters playing no NRL teams and 20 of Wynnum's 21 games in the QCup.

Gosiewski has been in and out of the grades the only time more than 15 NRL games in a season was 2019. His NSW/QLD Cup appearances similar to his NRL appearances and remember he lost 2020-21 when he was at Manly due to lockdowns.

Shibasaki at the start of the season had played more than double the NSWL/QLD Cup games to NRL games and he was with Newcastle in 2020-21 where the lockdowns cut both seasons down. He was with Townsville last year and played one game with Souths. His hard work got him an NRL start this year and McGuire is picking him over Mariner.

No one now owns their spots at the Broncos and this is why they're working as hard as anyone to make sure they remain in the NRL squad.

I feel too many players at Dolphins know they own their spots and can drop the intensity levels to preserve themselves. Players will naturally give that extra 1% for Bennett, Bellamy or Gould they have awe and presence. Other coaches need to earn that and they do that by making tough decisions. Loyalty only goes so far when results aren't happening because players lose respect and clubs start looking at declining attendances, TV ratings and merchandise sales due to poor results so the coach is fired.

Look at the blind loyalty and control Demetriou gave to Mitchell and what happened to Demetriou? Now all the sudden Mitchell is fit and focused despite injury setbacks he didn't put the hard yards in last year for Demetriou.

mitchells focused because hes been told he wont have contract this in last chance he said it himself ,



as for our side no use putting them in there if not ready and they aint qld cup n juniors way diffent to putting them in big time , you dont want them to loose confidence and i seen it before its worst thing you can do is putting them in when not ready , its woolfs 1st year ffs


club n players belive in him , ffs rome wasnt built in 3 season


you expect us to be premiership winners right now ffs

 

[257Matt]

 

[mr_c]

View attachment 114

tell you have nothing upstairs when you need rely on , neds a f.....g betting agency to tell you how run a nrl team how many then played nrl just like media blowing wind so they can get there lovers gifts

 

[257Matt]

tell you have nothing upstairs when you need rely on , neds a f.....g betting agency to tell you how run a nrl team how many then played nrl just like media blowing wind so they can get there lovers gifts

I just posted an article like other people do. Maybe one day you can string two words together

 

[mr_c]

I just posted an article like other people do. Maybe one day you can string two words together

lol yeah it is a article well done my point been is this theres thousands of fans out there, that belive in club and club believes in woolf, i am sorry but , how many clubs has wayne started at the beginning of the clubs history , has nothing to do with the fing curse , the clubs he went to were not in good shape of the field n they brought him in to be the magician to wave his wand n sort things out some things are beyond him, look at those clubs now they still in bad shape ,


ffs again we in our 3rd year ffs clubs like wariors been round 30 fing years going take time from been a qld cup side to nrl side