2024 team

[Jetty]

Anyone got a guess on the team for round 1 next year?

1. Hammer
2. Isaako
3. Te Whare
4. Farnworth
5. Bostock (Was thrown in the deep end before he could swim well enough but I'm hopeful for next year)
6. Milf
7. Katoa
8. Flegler
9. JMK
10. J. Bromwich (Unless Wayne taps him on the shoulder at the end of this season. Which he probably would do if our depth was better.)
11. Lemuelu
12. Kafusi
13. Gilbert
    
    
14. Niko
15. Wallace
16. Stone
17. Ese'ese

 

[Josh]

Anyone got a guess on the team for round 1 next year?

1. Hammer
2. Isaako
3. Te Whare
4. Farnworth
5. Bostock (Was thrown in the deep end before he could swim well enough but I'm hopeful for next year)
6. Milf
7. Katoa
8. Flegler
9. JMK
10. J. Bromwich (Unless Wayne taps him on the shoulder at the end of this season. Which he probably would do if our depth was better.)
11. Lemuelu
12. Kafusi
13. Gilbert
    
    
14. Niko
15. Wallace
16. Stone
17. Ese'ese

Not bad but I think missing one top class 1/2 or 5/8.

 

[Blockade]

Anyone got a guess on the team for round 1 next year?

1. Hammer
2. Isaako
3. Te Whare
4. Farnworth
5. Bostock (Was thrown in the deep end before he could swim well enough but I'm hopeful for next year)
6. Milf
7. Katoa
8. Flegler
9. JMK
10. J. Bromwich (Unless Wayne taps him on the shoulder at the end of this season. Which he probably would do if our depth was better.)
11. Lemuelu
12. Kafusi
13. Gilbert
    
    
14. Niko
15. Wallace
16. Stone
17. Ese'ese

You can scratch big Herman from your team now. Jake Averillo will probably secure a spot above Val or Bostock. Mason Teague should secure a more regular role. It will be interesting to see what "tinkering" is done during the off season. WB doesn't sit on his hands. He'll want a competitive team in what could be his coaching swansong.

 

[Josh]

You can scratch big Herman from your team now. Jake Averillo will probably secure a spot above Val or Bostock. Mason Teague should secure a more regular role. It will be interesting to see what "tinkering" is done during the off season. WB doesn't sit on his hands. He'll want a competitive team in what could be his coaching swansong.

Is Teague really any good? Apparently he was very good in U20s but how often do outstanding U20s not make it in the NRL?

I hope Val makes it. A lot of potential but definitely needs to lose a few kgs.

 

[Red]

You can scratch big Herman from your team now. Jake Averillo will probably secure a spot above Val or Bostock. Mason Teague should secure a more regular role. It will be interesting to see what "tinkering" is done during the off season. WB doesn't sit on his hands. He'll want a competitive team in what could be his coaching swansong.

I'd like to know why Herman was let go. IMO our best props have been in this order:

1. Wallace
2. Herman
3. Jesee
4. Nicholls
5. Kenny

 

[Chris]

Dolphins 2024 Player Movements​

2024 Gains Jake Averillo (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2026), Herbie Farnworth (Brisbane Broncos, 2026), Thomas Flegler (Brisbane Broncos, 2027)

2024 Losses Herman Ese'ese (Hull FC), Oliver Gildart (Hull Kingston Rovers)

Re-Signed Tom Gilbert (2028), Connelly Lemuelu (2025), Jeremy Marshall-King (2025), Tesi Niu (2024), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2027)

Off Contract 2023 JJ Collins, Kurt Donoghoe, Poasa Faamausili, Michael Roberts

The following is correct as at July 28.
Full squad
Euan Aitken, Jake Averillo, Jack Bostock, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler, Tom Gilbert, Harrison Graham, Jamayne Isaako, Robert Jennings, Isaiya Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Josh Kerr, Brenko Lee, Edrick Lee, Connelly Lemuelu, Jeremy Marshall-King, Anthony Milford, Mark Nicholls, Kodi Nikorima, Tesi Niu, Sean O'Sullivan, Max Plath, Ray Stone, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Valynce Te Whare, Mason Teague, Jarrod Wallace

Best 17 and full squad

1. Herbie Farnworth
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
4. Euan Aitken
5. Tesi Niu
6. Isaiya Katoa
7. Sean O'Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Thomas Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenneath Bromwich
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Anthony Milford
15. Connelly Lemuelu
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Jarrod Wallace
18. Jake Averillo
19. Jack Bostock
20. Harrison Graham
21. Robert Jennings
22. Josh Kerr
23. Brenko Lee
24. Edrick Lee
25. Ray Stone
26. Kodi Nikorima
27. Max Plath
28. Valynce Te Whare
29. Mason Teague
30. No player signed

 

[Red]

Dolphins 2024 Player Movements​

2024 Gains Jake Averillo (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2026), Herbie Farnworth (Brisbane Broncos, 2026), Thomas Flegler (Brisbane Broncos, 2027)

2024 Losses Herman Ese'ese (Hull FC), Oliver Gildart (Hull Kingston Rovers)

Re-Signed Tom Gilbert (2028), Connelly Lemuelu (2025), Jeremy Marshall-King (2025), Tesi Niu (2024), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2027)

Off Contract 2023 JJ Collins, Kurt Donoghoe, Poasa Faamausili, Michael Roberts

The following is correct as at July 28.
Full squad
Euan Aitken, Jake Averillo, Jack Bostock, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler, Tom Gilbert, Harrison Graham, Jamayne Isaako, Robert Jennings, Isaiya Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Josh Kerr, Brenko Lee, Edrick Lee, Connelly Lemuelu, Jeremy Marshall-King, Anthony Milford, Mark Nicholls, Kodi Nikorima, Tesi Niu, Sean O'Sullivan, Max Plath, Ray Stone, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Valynce Te Whare, Mason Teague, Jarrod Wallace

Best 17 and full squad

1. Herbie Farnworth
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
4. Euan Aitken
5. Tesi Niu
6. Isaiya Katoa
7. Sean O'Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Thomas Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenneath Bromwich
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Anthony Milford
15. Connelly Lemuelu
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Jarrod Wallace
18. Jake Averillo
19. Jack Bostock
20. Harrison Graham
21. Robert Jennings
22. Josh Kerr
23. Brenko Lee
24. Edrick Lee
25. Ray Stone
26. Kodi Nikorima
27. Max Plath
28. Valynce Te Whare
29. Mason Teague
30. No player signed

Sending Brenko and Edrick on their way is a must! Also, too many QLD Cup players. Need a few very promising young players in the squad who haven't played QLD Cup yet.

 

[Red]

How ‘matured’ Kangaroos rookie Tom Flegler changed his ways​

He was put on report four times in one game last year, but Thomas Flegler is reaping the rewards of a calmer approach to footy, with the Dolphins-bound front-rower set to make his Kangaroos debut against New Zealand on Saturday night.

Flegler’s aggressive approach to the game used to get him in a lot of trouble, with the 24-year-old featuring prominently in match review charges during his first few seasons with the Broncos.

’Be a blue head, not a red head’: How ‘matured’ Kangaroos rookie Tom Flegler changed his ways

’Be a blue head, not a red head’: How ‘matured’ Kangaroos rookie changed his ways

www.foxsports.com.au

I said early in the season, apart from Haas, the first 2 players I'd hope we could have poached from the Broncos would have been Flegler and Farnworth. I guess the form of Reece Walsh during the season put him right up there but still, signing those 2 is a massive coup for the club. Depth will also be better in 2024. Just need our 1/2 and 5/8, whoever that is going to be, to fire.

 

[Dolph]

DOLPHINS​

Luck of the draw: It’s vital the Dolphins start well with seven home games at Kayo or Suncorp in the opening 11 rounds. They also have three byes in the first 18 rounds to advance up the ladder if they can build momentum.

Banana peel: The Dolphins won’t be happy with the NRL mad scientists who put together the season draw. It’s arguably the worst schedule in the NRL. They are the only club to play before all three Origin games - without their rep stars. They also travel to Darwin, Auckland, Bundaberg and Perth for away games.

Can’t-miss match: Round six versus the Broncos, when their big-gun recruits Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler face their former Broncos teammates at Suncorp on Friday, April 12.

Byes: R3, R14, R18

Play once: Panthers, Raiders, Eels, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs and Roosters

Play twice: Broncos, Storm, Warriors, Dragons, Tigers, Knights, Cowboys and Titans

Turnarounds:

5 days: 2 games

6 days: 4 games

7+ days: 17 games

Verdict: Overall, it’s the rough end of the pineapple. Wayne Bennett has his work cut out.

Grade: E

 

[Red]

Bennett says Anthony Milford must perform or be moved on by Dolphins​

• Milford is on notice with the Dolphins after a meeting with Bennett, who has privately outlined a series of non-negotiable demands in a last-ditch attempt to reignite the fallen NRL superstar.
• The Milford development comes as the Dolphins explore their options on the open market.
• On Friday, Bennett confirmed his interest in Broncos grand-final hero Ezra Mam, and Queensland Origin star Tom Dearden.
• Milford turns 30 next July and Bennett says the buck stops with the former Queensland Origin star if he wants to avoid being cut by the Dolphins for 2025.
• “Anthony will be staying with us next season, I’ve heard nothing to the contrary,” the Dolphins coach said of Milford being linked to a ESL shift.

---

Can't share the link. Behind a paywall. But Milf is staying for next year. Seems no takers in the ESL.

 

[Equaliser]

NRL Ladder: Way-too-early predictions for 2024​

14th – DOLPHINS​

Another season under Wayne Bennett will be huge for the Dolphins and they will stun a few teams again in 2024. However, they may not find the kind of improvement and consistency they’ll need to finish higher up the ladder, despite the help of some important recruits.

---

Depends on a few things.

• Is Milf going to turn back the clock and if not, who is going to be 5/8?
• Can Jesse, Kenny Bromwich and Nicholls squeeze out one last good year?

If the answer to both of these questions is, "yes", I think we'll come 6th or 7th.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

NRL Ladder: Way-too-early predictions for 2024​

14th – DOLPHINS​

Another season under Wayne Bennett will be huge for the Dolphins and they will stun a few teams again in 2024. However, they may not find the kind of improvement and consistency they’ll need to finish higher up the ladder, despite the help of some important recruits.

---

Depends on a few things.

• Is Milf going to turn back the clock and if not, who is going to be 5/8?
• Can Jesse, Kenny Bromwich and Nicholls squeeze out one last good year?

If the answer to both of these questions is, "yes", I think we'll come 6th or 7th.

Milf is fat and unfit. We will need another half.

The forwards are doable

 

[Josh]

Milf is fat and unfit. We will need another half.

The forwards are doable

He still has a few months to get in shape.

 

[Josh]

PLAYER UNDER MOST PRESSURE: Anthony Milford​

Anthony Milford turns 30 in 2024 and finds himself again playing for his future in the NRL in a contract year. Milford was dropped at the start of last season in favour of rookie Isaiya Katoa and he struggled to cement a starting spot all year unless injuries struck. Milford managed three tries in just 11 games for the Dolphins and most of them were off the bench as a utility. Bennett challenged Milford to decide if he wanted to be a premier half in the NRL or if he was content to cruise through the back end of his career. Based on what he produced last year, Milford needs a monster pre-season and 2024 to convince the Dolphins that his NRL days are not coming to an end.

 

[Red]

PLAYER UNDER MOST PRESSURE: Anthony Milford​

Anthony Milford turns 30 in 2024 and finds himself again playing for his future in the NRL in a contract year. Milford was dropped at the start of last season in favour of rookie Isaiya Katoa and he struggled to cement a starting spot all year unless injuries struck. Milford managed three tries in just 11 games for the Dolphins and most of them were off the bench as a utility. Bennett challenged Milford to decide if he wanted to be a premier half in the NRL or if he was content to cruise through the back end of his career. Based on what he produced last year, Milford needs a monster pre-season and 2024 to convince the Dolphins that his NRL days are not coming to an end.

Milf is fat and unfit. We will need another half.

The forwards are doable

He just has to lose some weight. Will never be as good as he was or as fast but look at Benji Masrshall. As he got older and heavier, lost some of his elusiveness, his game evolved. I don't see why Milf couldn't do that as well. Probably not as good as Benji but still good for one more good year with us and then maybe earn himself an extension for another year. Can only sign him a year at a time. As soon as he signs a multi year deal, he becomes fat and lazy until the last year of the deal.

And it's not rocket science. Just has to cut down on the sugar and carbs, don't eat after 10pm but keep training as he has been.

 

[Josh]

He just has to lose some weight. Will never be as good as he was or as fast but look at Benji Masrshall. As he got older and heavier, lost some of his elusiveness, his game evolved. I don't see why Milf couldn't do that as well. Probably not as good as Benji but still good for one more good year with us and then maybe earn himself an extension for another year. Can only sign him a year at a time. As soon as he signs a multi year deal, he becomes fat and lazy until the last year of the deal.

And it's not rocket science. Just has to cut down on the sugar and carbs, don't eat after 10pm but keep training as he has been.

Easier said than done for some people. But I agree. He's a professional and probably has a nutritionist advising him, loads of time for physical activity and still only 30. He should be able to lose some kgs.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

He just has to lose some weight. Will never be as good as he was or as fast but look at Benji Masrshall. As he got older and heavier, lost some of his elusiveness, his game evolved. I don't see why Milf couldn't do that as well. Probably not as good as Benji but still good for one more good year with us and then maybe earn himself an extension for another year. Can only sign him a year at a time. As soon as he signs a multi year deal, he becomes fat and lazy until the last year of the deal.

And it's not rocket science. Just has to cut down on the sugar and carbs, don't eat after 10pm but keep training as he has been.

Because he was given a chance to revive his career this year, and by the end of it he was overweight and unfit.

What makes you think he is going to change his approach this year while he has a contract.

You’d think he would have thought at the beginning of last year, this is my final chance I need a big year. Nah he obviously ate KFC.

Guys, a leopard doesn’t change its spots. And MILF will be the same leopard we saw last season

 

[Equaliser]

Because he was given a chance to revive his career this year, and by the end of it he was overweight and unfit.

What makes you think he is going to change his approach this year while he has a contract.

You’d think he would have thought at the beginning of last year, this is my final chance I need a big year. Nah he obviously ate KFC.

Guys, a leopard doesn’t change its spots. And MILF will be the same leopard we saw last season

That's true. Anything else looks a little like wishful thinking. He'll have to have a huge year next year to be re-signed but I very much doubt he has it in him.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

I might sound like a prick saying the above.

I have been involved in youth development in my chosen sport. And I see young ladies at the moment, at the highest level for their age group.

And as much as you tell them or give them info. They tend to taken in what they want.

But one thing is for certain. They need to have the desire, you can’t tell them to have it, and you definitely can’t coach it.

MILF doesn’t come across as a person that has the desire. He has tried to rely on talent alone. Sometimes you’re lucky and it takes you further then you probably should have gone.

However, what separates the
Men from the boys is in the head. And I have seen it in the sport I am involved in.

 

[mr_c]

i want see more of katoa ( i really think if we offering mam money we wouldnt want see katoa at half , especially knowing hes got one more year could be make or break for him yes is only young blah blah but would like to see more of resigning him is a option