What a player Oryn Keeley has become
Fusball redux: meet Dolphins' smiling assassin Keeley
By Joel Gould AAP
Dolphins forward Oryn Keeley is the pack’s new smiling assassin and ready to set the standard in aggression epitomised by veteran Felise Kaufusi.
Former Melbourne enforcer Kaufusi, known as "Fus'’, can sometimes take that too far, as evidenced by his recent dangerous tackle that accidentally broke the leg of Warriors forward Jacob Laban and resulted in a two-match suspension.
However, Kaufusi, now a Dolphins prop, made a name for himself as an edge back-rower weapon who terrorised ball carriers on the way to winning two titles at the Storm.
Keeley, just 22, has been a revelation for the Dolphins in their recent impressive rise to eighth place on the NRL ladder, and he has another big job to do against Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
A foot injury in the pre-season curtailed his early impact in 2025, but since coming into the side on a regular basis against Canterbury in round 13 Keeley has played every game and the Dolphins have won six from eight.
His attitude and impact were on show in the 56-6 win over St George-Illawarra when he crunched fullback Clint Gutherson in a classic ball-and-all tackle after an enthusiastic kick-chase.
There was a classic confrontation of sorts where the pair, with their faces millimetres apart, were captured exchanging beaming grins.
Keeley’s smile had a look of menace about it as well.
Keeley is fast becoming a fan favourite at the Dolphins and a bit of a cult figure.
He can often be seen exhorting his teammates after they do something well, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
"Growing up I was never the biggest or strongest but I was always the loudest," Keeley said.
"As I came through the ranks I always got told to put that in the right areas, and I feel like I am doing that right now.
"I am bringing myself to the team and the boys love what I bring. I am just enjoying my footy now.
"I smiled at 'Gutho', but that was because he had a big smirk on his face. I wouldn’t have said anything. I am about getting around the little moments, like when someone puts a nice shot on, just things about our team."
Kaufusi may not be with Keeley in body on Saturday night, but he will be in spirit.
"He puts a lot of confidence in myself to be physical and trust that I can be physical against NRL players week in and week out," Keeley said.
"He always tells me to bring me. That just helps me so much knowing that our co-captain Felise has my back and believes I can do it.
"He was telling me today that the more times I touch the ball the more of a threat I look like.
"It is touching and it really helps me perform."
Keeley and the likes of young guns Aublix Tawha and Kurt Donoghoe have held the fort in the absence of key forwards Tom Gilbert, Daniel Saifiti and Max Plath to season-ending injuries.
"It is a great club from the top to the bottom. Everyone is so humble," Keeley said.
"No one is better than anyone, and I just think the club has been set up so well. The boys are just like a brotherhood here. Whoever plays, everyone has faith they are going to do the job."
