Recruitment and retention

[Dolph]

Thats all well and good. However, to win the comp, you will have to play full strength teams, outside of origin period.

I would go so far as to say, the soft draw hinders your chances rather than lifts them. I would prefer to bet on a battle-hardened team rather than the team coming into finals underdone.

However, I am far from an expert, so we shall see.

I like Melbourne, and Id back Penrith to be better towards the back end.

I'm nervous about Penrith. I hope they lose this weekend. It might be enough to prevent them getting into the top 4.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

I'm nervous about Penrith. I hope they lose this weekend. It might be enough to prevent them getting into the top 4.

Form is temp, class is permanent.

Cleary is class, and I think the bad form of a classy club in general won't last long.

 

[mr_c]

Dolphins Top 30:

Off Contract end of 2025:
1 Felise Kaufusi
2 Harrison Graham
3 Josh Kerr
4 Kenny Bromwich
5 Mark Nicholls
6 Mason Teague
7 Sean O'Sullivan

2026 Top 30 Additions/Signings:
1 Elijah Rasmussen
2 Morgan Knowles
3 Sebastian Sua
(all signed end of 2027)

Off Contract 20925 Development:
1 Aublix Tawha
2 Lewis Symonds
3 Ryan Jackson
4 Tevita Naufahu

Source for all the above is the NRL Website.

2025 Transition Players:
1 Zac Garton
2 LJ Nonu
3 Brian Pouniu
4 Carter Ford
5 John Finenganofo
6 Charlie Dickson
(Dated 22/11/2024 source Dolphins website)

Teenagers Elijah McKay and Kilarney Lavender played in the first trial game both turning 18 this year not sure what deals they would be on. We can probably assume they've been added to the Transition list.

We don't know which players are getting promoted to Development as Dolphins yet to confirm whereas other clubs have - not a bad idea from Dolphins. Anyone who thinks they know who are promoted actually doesn't know

2025 Train & Trial Players:
1 Josh Allen
2 Will Partridge
3 Ethan Quai-Ward
4 Ben Stevanovic
5 Peter Hola
6 Larson Dale-Doyle
7 Cooper Marshall
8 Tane Kiriona

Jordan Lipp who featured in two trials wasn't on an extended train & trial neither was Josh James who played in the Cowboys trial.

Of the above players on train & trial the most likely is Allen.

Dolphins have 30 players in the Top 30 currently - 7 off contract.

They have 3 new additions into the Top 30 for next year.

They have 26 players signed for next year in the Top 30.

You generally keep one spot free for a signing or promotion you need to make.

Who gets the final 3 spots? Players from within or players from outside?

Aside from Nicholls and Bromwich who are 100% done which of the other 7 players get retained or moved on?

Zac Gallen mark that name down willing to bet this aussie school boys rep be in looked at 4 a train n trial very soon

 

[257Matt]

Zac Gallen mark that name down willing to bet this aussie school boys rep be in looked at 4 a train n trial very soon

Zac Garton is an absolute goer loved watching him in the QLD U19 game

 

[257Matt]

Thats all well and good. However, to win the comp, you will have to play full strength teams, outside of origin period.

I would go so far as to say, the soft draw hinders your chances rather than lifts them. I would prefer to bet on a battle-hardened team rather than the team coming into finals underdone.

However, I am far from an expert, so we shall see.

I like Melbourne, and Id back Penrith to be better towards the back end.

The only certainty in the modern game is to win the premiership you must finish top 4 since the Top 8 format began in 1995 (Top 10 in 1998) only one side has ever won the premiership being the Terry Lamb Bulldogs in 1995. They had a great benefit of all bar one finals game being in Sydney regardless of standings in today's scheduling the Bulldogs would have had to have played Brisbane in Brisbane and Canberra in Canberra. Top 4 is now so important from a scheduling point of view more so considering that Melbourne and Brisbane are certain Top 4 and every chance Canberra will be Top 4 or Top 6.

I do agree on soft draws and getting these plum games during Origin when we will only have Critta and maybe 1 more in the squads and the noise Gus made about 18th man means Burton won't be 18th due to us not having byes before Origin. As for soft draws we have seen how exposed Cronulla & Nicho been by soft draws.

I do credit Dolphins for the way they've overcome the first four weeks and I've given so much credit for that. Like I hope the Donga haters give him credit for the way he's played this year.

 

[257Matt]

Well sorry to upset you but I don't follow the news cycle 24/7 like you. I know barring an injury crisis at a few clubs, Bulldogs have no chance of a premiership this year. As a matter of fact, I'm tipping the Dolphins to beat them and beat them in the final standings of the regular season.

I would love nothing more than Dolphins to finish Top 4 it would land the club on the map. Results are more important to a club like Dolphins as they're trying to convert casual or converting fans into full scale fans.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

The only certainty in the modern game is to win the premiership you must finish top 4 since the Top 8 format began in 1995 (Top 10 in 1998) only one side has ever won the premiership being the Terry Lamb Bulldogs in 1995. They had a great benefit of all bar one finals game being in Sydney regardless of standings in today's scheduling the Bulldogs would have had to have played Brisbane in Brisbane and Canberra in Canberra. Top 4 is now so important from a scheduling point of view more so considering that Melbourne and Brisbane are certain Top 4 and every chance Canberra will be Top 4 or Top 6.

I do agree on soft draws and getting these plum games during Origin when we will only have Critta and maybe 1 more in the squads and the noise Gus made about 18th man means Burton won't be 18th due to us not having byes before Origin. As for soft draws we have seen how exposed Cronulla & Nicho been by soft draws.

I do credit Dolphins for the way they've overcome the first four weeks and I've given so much credit for that. Like I hope the Donga haters give him credit for the way he's played this year.

You use this term Donga Haters.

I haven't read anyone on here saying they hate Donga. I certainly don't.

However, do I think he is along enough in his development to be a start in our squad? no. Do I think he can grow and be one? Yes. But he has to keep working hard, cut out silly penalties he gives away sometimes, and reduce the unforced errors. Is the Potential there, yes.

The road is long to being a sports star, and that road is littered with uncertainties. Keep working hard, wait for your chance, and take that chance. Along that way, dodge injuries, off field trouble and suspension, and you might get there. I think the average career length for an NRL player is about 40 games. I remember reading it somewhere and was shocked.

In that climate, even the most highly rated prospected could have his career taken away for some unknown reason. So am I willing to bet on Donga making it as a regular first grader, no I am not, and that because it’s tough to make it, it’s nothing to do with his ability. However, whilst he is in a Dolphins jersey I hope he turns into the next Langlands.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Question.

Lots here talking about Hammer as a centre.

I have been thinking. Brisbane look like letting Cobbo go. His best position is fullback. Do we have a stab at Cobbo and move Hammer to the centres?

I’m not saying we should. Just spit balling

 

[Dolph]

Question.

Lots here talking about Hammer as a centre.

I have been thinking. Brisbane look like letting Cobbo go. His best position is fullback. Do we have a stab at Cobbo and move Hammer to the centres?

I’m not saying we should. Just spit balling

Cobbo fullback, Hammer and Herbie centres! Is that too much of the salary cap tied up in outside backs? Also isn't Nonu a fullback?

 

[midlands hobo]

Fuller at FB when he's back.

 

[Dolph]

Fuller at FB when he's back.

Forgot about him. Should be back soon as well. Though his defence remains a worry.

 

[mr_c]

If Hammer was a full time centre he be there by now

 

[Josh]

Question.

Lots here talking about Hammer as a centre.

I have been thinking. Brisbane look like letting Cobbo go. His best position is fullback. Do we have a stab at Cobbo and move Hammer to the centres?

I’m not saying we should. Just spit balling

Not a bad idea if he really wants to stay in Brisbane but not if it means paying overs for him. After 3 years, we can expect some of our own big guns to be moving up into first grade.

 

[Equaliser]

Not a bad idea if he really wants to stay in Brisbane but not if it means paying overs for him. After 3 years, we can expect some of our own big guns to be moving up into first grade.

Also depends on Flegler. If he's medically retired, need to recruit a Haas rather than a back.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Also depends on Flegler. If he's medically retired, need to recruit a Haas rather than a back.

I saw him just yesterday, I know it might not count, but he looks good

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Cobbo fullback, Hammer and Herbie centres! Is that too much of the salary cap tied up in outside backs? Also isn't Nonu a fullback?

Here is the thing about the cap. Our TV rites deal will be going up to a forecasted 3 bill. With that will come a cap increase. What I would suggest is signing guys up on longer deal now. Because in a year or two, that increase in tv rites, will see players agents wanting more, and player salaries being that much higher for quality talent.

If we were goign to do a Cobbo thing, yes it would have a lot tied up for next year. But when that cap rises comes, we might have a Cobbo on a bit less then what similar talent would be asking for in the future.

Not sure if that makes sense. I does in my head though. Or that could be the alcohol talking.

 

[Equaliser]

Here is the thing about the cap. Our TV rites deal will be going up to a forecasted 3 bill. With that will come a cap increase. What I would suggest is signing guys up on longer deal now. Because in a year or two, that increase in tv rites, will see players agents wanting more, and player salaries being that much higher for quality talent.

If we were goign to do a Cobbo thing, yes it would have a lot tied up for next year. But when that cap rises comes, we might have a Cobbo on a bit less then what similar talent would be asking for in the future.

Not sure if that makes sense. I does in my head though. Or that could be the alcohol talking.

I think almost every players contract is factored in to rise by the same % as the salary cap.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

I think almost every players contract is factored in to rise by the same % as the salary cap.

Yeah, ratchet clause. A lot of what got Parra into trouble. Not sure all clubs allow them (I know some dont as it was reported on NRL 360 when discussing Parra's issues), not sure if ours does.

Thats something I don't know. I would hope ours doesnt

 

[Josh]

Yeah, ratchet clause. A lot of what got Parra into trouble. Not sure all clubs allow them (I know some dont as it was reported on NRL 360 when discussing Parra's issues), not sure if ours does.

Thats something I don't know. I would hope ours doesnt

Bottom line is, Cobbo would be a great signing for the right price but isn't it time, in the 4th year or the club, it started bringing its own Cobbo's into first grade?

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Bottom line is, Cobbo would be a great signing for the right price but isn't it time, in the 4th year or the club, it started bringing its own Cobbo's into first grade?

True, couldn't agree more.