2025 Squad

[Dolph]

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.

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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]

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)

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]

connie has signed on for another year

 

[Dolph]

connie has signed on for another year

Mixed feelings. He'd better pull his socks up next season.

 

[mr_c]

Mixed feelings. He'd better pull his socks up next season.

i would say it be cheap as chips deal n still see him shopped

 

[Red]

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​
Gutherson Isa-ako (jumping on the bandwagon pronouncing his name like this) Hammer Herbie Bostock Hunt Katoa Kaufusi (Because we are seriously lacking for props but have lots of backrowers) JMK Nicholls Finefeuiaki Lemuelu Gilbert Plath Keeley Stone Kodi	Hammer Isa-ako Tupou Herbie Bostock Averillo Katoa Kaufsi JMK Nicholls Finefeuiaki Lemuelu Gilbert Plath Kodi Stone Keeley

 

[Blockade]

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​
Gutherson Isa-ako (jumping on the bandwagon pronouncing his name like this) Hammer Herbie Bostock Hunt Katoa Kaufusi (Because we are seriously lacking for props but have lots of backrowers) JMK Nicholls Finefeuiaki Lemuelu Gilbert Plath Keeley Stone Kodi	Hammer Isa-ako Tupou Herbie Bostock Averillo Katoa Kaufsi JMK Nicholls Finefeuiaki Lemuelu Gilbert Plath Kodi Stone Keeley

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.

 

[Red]

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.

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]

we be getting props

 

[mr_c]

preason starts nov 11 four us