2025 Predictions.

[mr_c]

Media pundits are very negative in Dolphins chances next year. Several are predicting a bottom 4 finish.

i think its more the part and its true with all the coaches in first year most wont expect miracles along as we in the top have of the table or somewhere near it like this year i be happy

 

[Dolph]

I think the WB factor is coming into play here. Teams tend to struggle after he departs. A lot of times, he is the only bit of glue holding the place together eg. Newcastle, Brisbane (second time).

The Dolphins are different though. He built an expansion team from scratch and has had his successor helping him with the full knowledge that he would take over after two years. His successor has had a very successful career thus far and the players are already familiar with his style.

The Dolphins have a very good roster. Flegs and Trai will be sorely missed but even without them, they still look rather imposing. If they have any luck on the injury front, they will be very tough to beat IMO.

Anyways, it won't be long now. The footy season comes along really quickly once the new year arrives. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming campaign.

💯 Exactly as I would have stated. Just less eloquently.

 

[Dolph]

The Dolphins 2025: Best 17, every player’s contract status, rookie watch​

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Free agency wrap and rating​

The Dolphins have had another solid year of recruiting, beefing up their squad with solid signings in Daniel Saifiti (Knights) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys) while Junior Tupou (Tigers) is a promising prospect.

Off contract at the end of 2025​

Sean O’Sullivan: gone	Kenny Bromwich: retire
Jack Bostock: keep	Harrison Graham: gone
Felise Kaufusi: retire	Connelly Lemuelu: ??????
Josh Kerr: gone	Mark Nicholls: retire
Mason Teague: ?????

 

[Dolph]

Likely debutants​

The Dolphins have handed out a lot of NRL debuts in recent years but may not have too many in 2025. Backrower James Walsh is a promising prospect and Oryn Keeley should see more NRL time following his sensational performances for Norths in the lower grades. Ryan Jackson is another player waiting in the wings on the development list.

Who takes the next step​

If the Dolphins are going to play finals for the first time they need to take their game to a new level. They developed a reputation for being tough battlers under Bennett but more than that is needed to be a premiership contender. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is one of the NRL’s most dangerous players, but needs to be more consistent. Isaiya Katoa is entering his third NRL season and should be dominating more games than not. The Dolphins would kill to have enforcers Tom Gilbert and Tom Flegler on the field too following a couple of bad years with injuries.

The three burning issues​

• The Bennett factor

Will Kristian Woolf become the latest Wayne Bennett disciple to fail?

• Tortured Toms

The Dolphins sorely missed their two top forwards last season in Tom Flegler and Tom Gilbert. Gilbert is on track to play an NRL game for the first time since 2023 but the future is more uncertain for Flegler, who won’t be seen until late in the season at best.

• Honeymoon period

Expectations on the Dolphins have been pretty low since they entered the NRL in 2023. They were given little time to assemble a squad and few gave them any hope of playing finals. That’s changed now.

 

[Blockade]

These two journos certainly don't think much of the Dolphins. What am I missing here? If this ends up true, it will be an absolute disaster for the club.

 

[Dolph]

View attachment 96
These two journos certainly don't think much of the Dolphins. What am I missing here? If this ends up true, it will be an absolute disaster for the club.

It's confusing for me as well. They seriously think that highly of WB and that lowly of Wolff?