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2025 Squad

Dolph

Dolph

QLD Cup
Joined
Apr 28, 2023
Messages
562
This is according to a well-known publication. Not their best work. Losses are also Jesse Bromwich (Retired) and Euan Aitken (Rabbitohs). But I agree with the "burning issues". Need these two to step up if we are going to be one of the best teams next year.
Injuries and international duties have set-up new head coach Kristian Woolf, who is currently coaching Tonga, for a disrupted pre-season. There is no clear timeline for return for Tom Flegler, as he battles a difficult recovery from a shoulder injury. Connelly Lemuelu (shoulder reconstruction) had off-season surgery and will need five months rehab. Trai Fuller is out long-term with an ACL injury. Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) and Kenny Bromwich (elbow) had minor surgeries but will return to training when senior players are due back late November. Tom Gilbert (ACL) won’t be back to full-contract training until next year. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Felise Kaufusi, Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima and Kurt Donoghoe are on international duties.

Burning summer issue:​

Avoiding the Bennett curse. Success rarely follows after a Wayne Bennett exit, so Woolf has his work cut out for him. Especially when it comes to arresting the side’s end of season slide – which is becoming a habit.

It’s a big pre-season for:​

New recruits winger Junior Tupou and forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Both arguably regressed in their final seasons at their former clubs. But the ceiling is high for both youngsters. Halfback Isaiya Katao needs to find another gear, that killer instinct, if the Dolphins are to challenge in 2025.

Gains: Junior Tupou (Tigers), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Daniel Saifiti (Knights), Max Feagai (Dragons)
Losses: Tevita Pangai Junior (Catalans)
 
Josh

Josh

QLD Cup
Joined
Mar 20, 2023
Messages
866
Dolph said:
This is according to a well-known publication. Not their best work. Losses are also Jesse Bromwich (Retired) and Euan Aitken (Rabbitohs). But I agree with the "burning issues". Need these two to step up if we are going to be one of the best teams next year.
Injuries and international duties have set-up new head coach Kristian Woolf, who is currently coaching Tonga, for a disrupted pre-season. There is no clear timeline for return for Tom Flegler, as he battles a difficult recovery from a shoulder injury. Connelly Lemuelu (shoulder reconstruction) had off-season surgery and will need five months rehab. Trai Fuller is out long-term with an ACL injury. Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) and Kenny Bromwich (elbow) had minor surgeries but will return to training when senior players are due back late November. Tom Gilbert (ACL) won’t be back to full-contract training until next year. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Felise Kaufusi, Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima and Kurt Donoghoe are on international duties.

Burning summer issue:​

Avoiding the Bennett curse. Success rarely follows after a Wayne Bennett exit, so Woolf has his work cut out for him. Especially when it comes to arresting the side’s end of season slide – which is becoming a habit.

It’s a big pre-season for:​

New recruits winger Junior Tupou and forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Both arguably regressed in their final seasons at their former clubs. But the ceiling is high for both youngsters. Halfback Isaiya Katao needs to find another gear, that killer instinct, if the Dolphins are to challenge in 2025.

Gains: Junior Tupou (Tigers), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Daniel Saifiti (Knights), Max Feagai (Dragons)
Losses: Tevita Pangai Junior (Catalans)
Click to expand...
Huge year for Katoa next year. Behind a stronger forward pack, x fingers for not having the same injury issues, he needs to maintain the form of the first half of last season all year.
 
mr_c

mr_c

Dolphins Pod squad member
Joined
Aug 5, 2023
Messages
1,056
connie has signed on for another year
 
Red

Red

Forum staff
Joined
Feb 8, 2023
Messages
884
A bit, or a lot needs to happen for this to become reality but a backline this has some serious potential. I think Hunts running game with Kotoa's game management and playmaking would be a very good halves combo. As for fullback, not so sold on this but it's a possibility due to Hammer clearly being a better centre than fullback and Fuller being out for half of next near. Also not so young anymore. At his age such an injury might badly affect his game.
Possible best 17​
Best 17 as is​
  1. Gutherson
  2. Isa-ako (jumping on the bandwagon pronouncing his name like this)
  3. Hammer
  4. Herbie
  5. Bostock
  6. Hunt
  7. Katoa
  8. Kaufusi (Because we are seriously lacking for props but have lots of backrowers)
  9. JMK
  10. Nicholls
  11. Finefeuiaki
  12. Lemuelu
  13. Gilbert

  14. Plath
  15. Keeley
  16. Stone
  17. Kodi
  1. Hammer
  2. Isa-ako
  3. Tupou
  4. Herbie
  5. Bostock
  6. Averillo
  7. Katoa
  8. Kaufsi
  9. JMK
  10. Nicholls
  11. Finefeuiaki
  12. Lemuelu
  13. Gilbert

  14. Plath
  15. Kodi
  16. Stone
  17. Keeley
 
Blockade

Blockade

QLD Cup
Joined
Mar 12, 2023
Messages
236
Red said:
A bit, or a lot needs to happen for this to become reality but a backline this has some serious potential. I think Hunts running game with Kotoa's game management and playmaking would be a very good halves combo. As for fullback, not so sold on this but it's a possibility due to Hammer clearly being a better centre than fullback and Fuller being out for half of next near. Also not so young anymore. At his age such an injury might badly affect his game.
Possible best 17​
Best 17 as is​
  1. Gutherson
  2. Isa-ako (jumping on the bandwagon pronouncing his name like this)
  3. Hammer
  4. Herbie
  5. Bostock
  6. Hunt
  7. Katoa
  8. Kaufusi (Because we are seriously lacking for props but have lots of backrowers)
  9. JMK
  10. Nicholls
  11. Finefeuiaki
  12. Lemuelu
  13. Gilbert

  14. Plath
  15. Keeley
  16. Stone
  17. Kodi
  1. Hammer
  2. Isa-ako
  3. Tupou
  4. Herbie
  5. Bostock
  6. Averillo
  7. Katoa
  8. Kaufsi
  9. JMK
  10. Nicholls
  11. Finefeuiaki
  12. Lemuelu
  13. Gilbert

  14. Plath
  15. Kodi
  16. Stone
  17. Keeley
Click to expand...
Dan Saifiti needs a spot in there somewhere. Gilbert probably not fit by Round 1. Gutho probably not interested in locating to Bris. K Brom will probably snag a bench spot. Plath will have a starting role.
 
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Red

Red

Forum staff
Joined
Feb 8, 2023
Messages
884
Blockade said:
Dan Saifiti needs a spot in there somewhere. Gilbert probably not fit by Round 1. Gutho probably not interested in locating to Bris. K Brom will probably snag a bench spot. Plath will have a starting role.
Click to expand...
Forgot about Saifiti. I was just putting that Gutho thing out there but not sure he'd be worth it anyway. I was thinking about the best 17, not the best 17 from round 1. Assuming Flegler is going to be out for at least half the season, I didn't consider him. Kenny B will be in competition with Stone and Keeley. Keeley had a blinder in the QLD Cup vs NSW Cup GF. I think he might be ready for a permanent move into the best 17.
 
mr_c

mr_c

Dolphins Pod squad member
Joined
Aug 5, 2023
Messages
1,056
walsh n waqqa from our juniors been added so 3 spots left
 
2

257Matt

Dolphins Junior League
Joined
Nov 18, 2024
Messages
86
Red said:
Last season for Kaufusi and Kenny B. If memory serves, Lemuelu and Stone only got short term deals.
Click to expand...
Kaufusi, Bromwich and Nichols all heading into their last year. Dolphins will need to sign to props for 2026.
 
Dolph

Dolph

QLD Cup
Joined
Apr 28, 2023
Messages
562
257Matt said:
Kaufusi, Bromwich and Nichols all heading into their last year. Dolphins will need to sign to props for 2026.
Click to expand...
Saifiti, Flegler (fingers crossed) and I think there are big wraps on the young prop Jackson. I also think Keeley might end up at prop. But it won't be a big money import like Leo Thompson unless Flegler is medically retired.
 
2

257Matt

Dolphins Junior League
Joined
Nov 18, 2024
Messages
86
Dolph said:
Saifiti, Flegler (fingers crossed) and I think there are big wraps on the young prop Jackson. I also think Keeley might end up at prop. But it won't be a big money import like Leo Thompson unless Flegler is medically retired.
Click to expand...
Flegler recovering will be huge for Dolphins and Queensland.

Waqa, Jackson and Rasmussen will really need to progress next year very crucial to future Dolphins success and the regeneration of the squad.
 
mr_c

mr_c

Dolphins Pod squad member
Joined
Aug 5, 2023
Messages
1,056
257Matt said:
Flegler recovering will be huge for Dolphins and Queensland.

Waqa, Jackson and Rasmussen will really need to progress next year very crucial to future Dolphins success and the regeneration of the squad.
Click to expand...
they be given more time than just next year hence its important to buy in few extra players
 
Red

Red

Forum staff
Joined
Feb 8, 2023
Messages
884
Good news! Tommy Gilbert on track to return for round 1 and an early favourite for captaincy.
Tom Gilbert
 
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