2024 squad and best 17

[Dolph]

Every NRL club’s ‘24 breakout star​

DOLPHINS - HARRISON GRAHAM​

Harrison Graham is currently on a development contract which expires at the end of 2025 but still did enough to earn six NRL caps in the Dolphins’ debut campaign. The young dummy-half looks to be a potential utility player off the bench, deputising for Jeremy Marshall-King in 2024 who battled with a shoulder injury to close out the season. The 22-year-old was impressive in his short stint to close out the season, but does face some stiff competition for the No.14 jersey next season in Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa. One of those two could miss out on the starting side with the inclusion of Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo in the squad, meaning Graham may be in a battle to be named on the bench. Regardless, Bennett has a ready-made hooker option waiting in the wings and 2024 could be Graham’s best season yet.

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Really???? I was pretty unimpressed from what I saw of him. I thought he fell behind Plaff as the second choice hooker.

Has all the skills but a little too slow.

 

[Equaliser]

THE DOLPHINS​

Gains: Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Thomas Flegler (Broncos), Jake Averillo (Bulldogs), Oryn Keeley (Knights)
Losses: Brenko Lee (released), Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC), Poasa Faamausili (released), JJ Collins (released)

Analysis: Wayne Bennett has some tough selection calls to make.
Star recruits Herbie Farnworth (Broncos) and Jake Averillo (Bulldogs) will slot into the centres and Euan Aitken earns a spot on the bench due to his versatility.
Averillo could also play on the wing and Aitken in the centres. Tom Flegler will pack down in the front row, with Maroons teammate Tom Gilbert at lock as he returns from a season-ending shoulder injury suffered during Origin.

The emergence of Connelly Lemuelu could see veteran Kenny Bromwich played off the bench and in the middle rotation. A battle between Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa has emerged for the No.6 jersey and following an impressive 2023 campaign it’s the veteran who gets the nod. Jarrod Wallace also beats out Mark Nicholls for the final spot on the bench after his strong finish to the Dolphins’ debut campaign.

Best 17:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Jake Averillo
5. Tesi Niu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Tom Gilbert
    
    
14. Ray Stone
15. Kenny Bromwich
16. Euan Aitken
17. Jarrod Wallace

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According to Fox Sports. JMK can't play 80min so that won't be the bench. If SOS is still not on the outer, Katoa will be 5/8, Niko on the bench. But really need a 5/8 so Katoa can play 1/2.

 

[Chris]

THE DOLPHINS​

Gains: Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Thomas Flegler (Broncos), Jake Averillo (Bulldogs), Oryn Keeley (Knights)
Losses: Brenko Lee (released), Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC), Poasa Faamausili (released), JJ Collins (released)

Analysis: Wayne Bennett has some tough selection calls to make.
Star recruits Herbie Farnworth (Broncos) and Jake Averillo (Bulldogs) will slot into the centres and Euan Aitken earns a spot on the bench due to his versatility.
Averillo could also play on the wing and Aitken in the centres. Tom Flegler will pack down in the front row, with Maroons teammate Tom Gilbert at lock as he returns from a season-ending shoulder injury suffered during Origin.

The emergence of Connelly Lemuelu could see veteran Kenny Bromwich played off the bench and in the middle rotation. A battle between Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa has emerged for the No.6 jersey and following an impressive 2023 campaign it’s the veteran who gets the nod. Jarrod Wallace also beats out Mark Nicholls for the final spot on the bench after his strong finish to the Dolphins’ debut campaign.

Best 17:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Jake Averillo
5. Tesi Niu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Tom Gilbert
    
    
14. Ray Stone
15. Kenny Bromwich
16. Euan Aitken
17. Jarrod Wallace

---

According to Fox Sports. JMK can't play 80min so that won't be the bench. If SOS is still not on the outer, Katoa will be 5/8, Niko on the bench. But really need a 5/8 so Katoa can play 1/2.

They just have someone not really having any idea WTF he is talking about throw this kind of stuff out there. 24 hour news cycle and one can only handle so much war.

 

[Paul]

THE DOLPHINS​

Gains: Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Thomas Flegler (Broncos), Jake Averillo (Bulldogs), Oryn Keeley (Knights)
Losses: Brenko Lee (released), Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC), Poasa Faamausili (released), JJ Collins (released)

Analysis: Wayne Bennett has some tough selection calls to make.
Star recruits Herbie Farnworth (Broncos) and Jake Averillo (Bulldogs) will slot into the centres and Euan Aitken earns a spot on the bench due to his versatility.
Averillo could also play on the wing and Aitken in the centres. Tom Flegler will pack down in the front row, with Maroons teammate Tom Gilbert at lock as he returns from a season-ending shoulder injury suffered during Origin.

The emergence of Connelly Lemuelu could see veteran Kenny Bromwich played off the bench and in the middle rotation. A battle between Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa has emerged for the No.6 jersey and following an impressive 2023 campaign it’s the veteran who gets the nod. Jarrod Wallace also beats out Mark Nicholls for the final spot on the bench after his strong finish to the Dolphins’ debut campaign.

Best 17:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Jake Averillo
5. Tesi Niu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Tom Gilbert
    
    
14. Ray Stone
15. Kenny Bromwich
16. Euan Aitken
17. Jarrod Wallace

---

According to Fox Sports. JMK can't play 80min so that won't be the bench. If SOS is still not on the outer, Katoa will be 5/8, Niko on the bench. But really need a 5/8 so Katoa can play 1/2.

• Replacing SOS with Katoa,
• Niko at 5/6
• Teague on the bench filling in at hooker for around 15min a game.
  (not big or fast enough to make it as a forward alone. If he can fill in at hooker, he'll be very valuable on the bench.)

 

[Equaliser]

THE DOLPHINS​

Gains: Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Thomas Flegler (Broncos), Jake Averillo (Bulldogs), Oryn Keeley (Knights)
Losses: Brenko Lee (released), Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC), Poasa Faamausili (released), JJ Collins (released)

Analysis: Wayne Bennett has some tough selection calls to make.
Star recruits Herbie Farnworth (Broncos) and Jake Averillo (Bulldogs) will slot into the centres and Euan Aitken earns a spot on the bench due to his versatility.
Averillo could also play on the wing and Aitken in the centres. Tom Flegler will pack down in the front row, with Maroons teammate Tom Gilbert at lock as he returns from a season-ending shoulder injury suffered during Origin.

The emergence of Connelly Lemuelu could see veteran Kenny Bromwich played off the bench and in the middle rotation. A battle between Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa has emerged for the No.6 jersey and following an impressive 2023 campaign it’s the veteran who gets the nod. Jarrod Wallace also beats out Mark Nicholls for the final spot on the bench after his strong finish to the Dolphins’ debut campaign.

Best 17:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Jake Averillo
5. Tesi Niu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Tom Gilbert
    
    
14. Ray Stone
15. Kenny Bromwich
16. Euan Aitken
17. Jarrod Wallace

---

According to Fox Sports. JMK can't play 80min so that won't be the bench. If SOS is still not on the outer, Katoa will be 5/8, Niko on the bench. But really need a 5/8 so Katoa can play 1/2.

Milf is still on the books at this stage. I think he's a better 5/8 than Kotoa, SOS or Niko. I rate Kotoa but not as a 5/8. Rate Niko as an interchange utility, not a 5/8. Don't rate Milf or SOS. Hopefully Wayne has a plan.

 

[midlands hobo]

Any word on how te ware is getting on fighting the battle of the bulge

 

[Chris]

Any word on how te ware is getting on fighting the battle of the bulge

Was wondering the same. Pre season training hasn't even started yet.

 

[midlands hobo]

Was wondering the same. Pre season training hasn't even started yet.

A month off can easily be own 2-3kg

 

[Chris]

A month off can easily be own 2-3kg

If he comes back still fatter, I think Wayne will send him away until he's lost it and more.

 

[Equaliser]

Any word on how te ware is getting on fighting the battle of the bulge

Hope he is doing well. 5 or 6 kg lighter and he might be one of the best centres in the competition.

 

[Josh]

DOLPHINS​

In Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi the Dolphins have two very experienced second-rowers. Of course experience comes with age, so you could also say the club has two old second-rowers. Age wearies, trust me I know this form first-hand experience and the Dolphins have exciting edge prospect Jeremiah Simbiken waiting in the wings. He’s not that young (23) – and has 32 QCup games and two Tests for PNG to his name — so not exactly a rugby league rookie. But he’s a rookie for SuperCoach/NRL purposes, he has a very SC friendly game and Wayne Bennett loves a mature ‘rookie’. If he can break through the ranks of the veterans standing in his way then don’t sleep on Simbiken. Honourable mention to young edge forwards Oryn Keeley (signed from the Knights), young prop Ryan Jackson and edge forward/centre James Walsh.

 

[Equaliser]

DOLPHINS​

In Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi the Dolphins have two very experienced second-rowers. Of course experience comes with age, so you could also say the club has two old second-rowers. Age wearies, trust me I know this form first-hand experience and the Dolphins have exciting edge prospect Jeremiah Simbiken waiting in the wings. He’s not that young (23) – and has 32 QCup games and two Tests for PNG to his name — so not exactly a rugby league rookie. But he’s a rookie for SuperCoach/NRL purposes, he has a very SC friendly game and Wayne Bennett loves a mature ‘rookie’. If he can break through the ranks of the veterans standing in his way then don’t sleep on Simbiken. Honourable mention to young edge forwards Oryn Keeley (signed from the Knights), young prop Ryan Jackson and edge forward/centre James Walsh.

Shows how little these media types actually know about the team. Kenny Bromwich wasn't even used as a second-rower last season.

 

[Chris]

DOLPHINS​

Analysis: The Dolphins caused their fair share of upsets in their inaugural season, but as the year wore on holes began to appear in their roster, which looks a way off competing for titles at this early stage in their history. Wayne Bennett is a master coach, but 2024 will be his final season before handing the reins over to Kristian Wolf and historically coaches struggle to follow in his footsteps. The Dolphins finished 13th last season and while they have a few strong signings in Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler from the Broncos and Jake Averillo, they are still lacking a marquee player to build the team around. If they can build their depth and have luck with injuries, the Dolphins could crack the top eight in the coming seasons, but a maiden title looks a fair way off at this stage.

Premiership window: 2028-2030

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Don't believe we are that far off being a very serious premiership contender.

 

[Dolph]

DOLPHINS​

Analysis: The Dolphins caused their fair share of upsets in their inaugural season, but as the year wore on holes began to appear in their roster, which looks a way off competing for titles at this early stage in their history. Wayne Bennett is a master coach, but 2024 will be his final season before handing the reins over to Kristian Wolf and historically coaches struggle to follow in his footsteps. The Dolphins finished 13th last season and while they have a few strong signings in Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler from the Broncos and Jake Averillo, they are still lacking a marquee player to build the team around. If they can build their depth and have luck with injuries, the Dolphins could crack the top eight in the coming seasons, but a maiden title looks a fair way off at this stage.

Premiership window: 2028-2030

---

Don't believe we are that far off being a very serious premiership contender.

Just some bloke trying to get his word count done during the off season. Doesn't really know WTF he is talking about.

 

[midlands hobo]

Wolf is a decent coach. Shows alot that he stepped down from being head coach at st Helens who were top of the game and is sitting two years in the reserve seat to learn from Wayne. He could have been pushy and gone straight for a head coach job at a basket case like the tigers.

I expect him to continue the process and make significant progress

 

[Equaliser]

Wolf is a decent coach. Shows alot that he stepped down from being head coach at st Helens who were top of the game and is sitting two years in the reserve seat to learn from Wayne. He could have been pushy and gone straight for a head coach job at a basket case like the tigers.

I expect him to continue the process and make significant progress

Not exactly in reserve grade. Assistant coach. But I get where you are coming from. Its a demotion. Just not as big a demotion as you are thinking.

 

[Dolph]

Wolf is a decent coach. Shows alot that he stepped down from being head coach at st Helens who were top of the game and is sitting two years in the reserve seat to learn from Wayne. He could have been pushy and gone straight for a head coach job at a basket case like the tigers.

I expect him to continue the process and make significant progress

Sounds promising!

 

[midlands hobo]

Not exactly in reserve grade. Assistant coach. But I get where you are coming from. Its a demotion. Just not as big a demotion as you are thinking.

I understand what you are saying. What I'm trying to say is having coached saints to 3 straight GF wins it shows a lack of arrogance to be able to accept something less than the title of first headcoach of a new NRL side.

Could you imagine someone with no experience a d a huge ego like say Sam burgess accepting that?

 

[Equaliser]

I understand what you are saying. What I'm trying to say is having coached saints to 3 straight GF wins it shows a lack of arrogance to be able to accept something less than the title of first headcoach of a new NRL side.

Could you imagine someone with no experience a d a huge ego like say Sam burgess accepting that?

Very true

 

[mr_c]

Trai Fuller (fullback), Brenton Baira (fullback), Lewis Symonds (second row), Tevita Naufahu (utility back), Elija Rasmussen (prop), Jordan Lipp (centre), Jerome Burns (five-eighth) are our train n trials