Near Miss in 2024: The Dolphins came agonizingly close to securing a finals spot last season, falling just one game short. What adjustments do you think the team needs to make this year to guarantee a top-eight finish?
I think a few adjustments need to be made, and a few things need to go our way. Firstly, Katoa needs to make this his team in the halves, hard for a young half to do, however I think he has the ability to go to the next level. He need to play like an old half in a young body. We were unlucky with injuries last year, Dolphins, more than any other team, need luck with injuries this year, because missing a few key players could spell doom for us. In terms of play style we just need to grow on what Bennett put in place, effort in defense, patience in attack and letting our speed capitalize at the right moments
Coaching Transition: Kristian Woolf steps into the head coaching role, replacing the legendary Wayne Bennett. Despite Woolf’s lack of NRL head coaching experience, he has achieved great success with St Helens and played a key role in Tonga’s rise as an international powerhouse. Do you expect the Dolphins to play a noticeably different style under Woolf compared to Bennett?
No, I think Woolf had a large input in this area whilst Bennett was there. I dont think much will change at all.
Halves Combination: Young halfback Isaiya Katoa is shaping up to be a future star. Who do you think is the most likely candidate to partner him in the halves?
Hard question, I reckon it depends on how Averillo starts the year in pre season. I see it between him and Kodi N. Although Kodi is an asset at 14, so you could see him play that role under Woolf. I couldn't say which will start as Woolf seems to be keeping tha tone close to his chest.
Forward Pack Strength: The Dolphins nearly made the finals last year despite missing two Origin-caliber forwards—Tom Gilbert and Thomas Flegler. Will we see both in full force this season, and what impact will their return have on the squad?
Gilbert looks fit and ready to go, Flegler will be back mid year, despite the naysayers around Fleglers injury, I have it on good authority, everything well. We have added more depth in this area, which will see kaufusi move to a middle role. Look to our pack being awesome and our biggest strength this year.
Herbie Farnworth’s Role: Farnworth is an electric attacking weapon, as demonstrated in his performances for England, particularly against Samoa. Do you think the Dolphins will involve him more in attack rather than keeping him locked on one edge?
He is already our go to Centre, He was so good last year, I could see how he could possibly do more. He seems to have become a leader in our dressing room, look for him to have more influence in that regard leadership wise both on and off the field.
Fullback Dilemma: With Trai Fuller in contention for the fullback role, there’s speculation that Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow could move to the centers—where he plays for both Queensland and Australia. Would this be the best move for the team, or is the Hammer more effective at fullback?
Hammer will be fullback with Fuller injured. Averillo is an option if hammer is injured along with Kurt Donoghoe, who you will see play there in the trials
Breakout Players & Rising Stars: Which player is poised for a breakout season in 2025? Are there any rookies on the radar who could make an immediate impact?
Look for Oryn Keeley to get more minutes this year, and with that opportunity, take the next step to becoming a more regular player. He is a young 2nd rower picked up from the Knights.
Squad Changes: Who is the best addition to the squad this season? On the flip side, which departure will be the biggest loss for the Dolphins?
Finefeuiaki, I reckon will be our biggest pick up in the forwards, as we needed to solidify our pack with a few players getting older and some retiring or injured.
I don't see any players we lost and being a BIG! loss. Bromwich, who was our leader, however i felt at times last year, age was catching up and he gave it away at a good time.
Weaknesses & Improvements: What is the team’s biggest weakness heading into the season? Do you see it improving over the course of the year?
Our 5/8 position is our biggest weakness, we need someone to step up and own that spot, or we could see big moves in the off season to get that sorted. Its Kodi's or Averillo's to own at the moment
Squad Depth: How confident are you in the team’s depth? Do you believe the Dolphins have the squad to cover for potential injuries to key players?
Yes, I am confident in our depth, it is much better than last years, however as a young club, expecting it to be perfect I'd suggest is slightly unrealistic.
Best 17: In your opinion, what is the strongest possible 17-man lineup for the Dolphins this season?
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Jamayne Isaako
- Jake Averillo
- Herbie Farnworth
- Jack Bostock
- Kodi Nikorima
- Isaiya Katoa
- Daniel Saifiti
- Jeremy Marshall-King
- Tom Flegler
- Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
- Tom Gilbert
- Max Plath
- Ray Stone
- Felise Kaufusi
- Oryn Keeley
- Kenny Bromwich
However, with our depth, that bench could go many ways
Expectations for 2025: What would be considered a pass mark for the Dolphins this year? Conversely, what would be seen as a failure? Lastly, what’s your official prediction for the team in 2025?
A pass would be to build on last year, and go a few spots better. Id suggest, that as a fan, as long as we are heading in the right direction as a young club, everything will be going right. I think a failure would be to fall below. I dont see the transition from Woolf to Bennett having an impact. Bennett came here to build and create a foundation, all his other roles his remit was to win, and when he left those clubs, he took the good players with him. In our case, we haven't been plundered, So i see no Bennett curse this time around.
