Fins Up
An Insight into the Dolphins Domination
F. A. Loxton
AFTER THREE STRAIGHT WINS IN THE FIRST THREE ROUNDS ON THE NRL SEASON the newest franchise from Queensland – the Dolphins, are placed second on the NRL ladder, silencing many critics in their first year of first grade. Whilst many believed the team to be a top 12 side at best, Wayne Bennett’s men have played a resilient brand of rugby league seeing them out working teams, and claim late victories.
The first round of the official season saw the Dolphins biggest upset so far, as they overcame the Roosters in front of over 35,000 at Suncorp stadium. Although the side from Sydney were expected to impress, with new signing Brandon Smith debuting for the tri colors at hooker, Felise Kaufusi inspired with huge tackles in defense and Jamayne Isaako broke through the Roosters right edge, cementing the first win in history after their first official fixture.
In round two, the Dolphins hustled a second victory in a close battle against the Raiders, which saw Hamish Tabuai-Fidow’s fullback support inspiring two runaway tries. Down by 12 after thirty-four minutes of play, Jesse Bromwich’s men were tested, but proved to their resilience coming back and sealing the win with a try from Jamayne Isaako. Mark Nicholls was pivotal with 185 meters through the middle, providing space on the edges for the experienced backline.
Most recently, the Queensland side had their first challenge away from home, coming up against the struggling Newcastle Knights without concussion-restricted Kalyn Ponga. Once again, the Dolphins started slowly and allowed the Knights several first-half tries, however their resilience, once again, proved the difference scoring 4 tries in the closing twenty-five minutes winning 36-20. These as seen previously, came through their Broncos and Cowboys signings – Tesi Nui, Jamayne Isaako and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
In next week’s fixture, the first ever battle of Brisbane will take place, as the Dolphins face the Broncos, the only other team with three wins in the competition. With Reece Walsh and Kotoni Staggs in all-time best form, and Selwyn Cobbo providing strong firepower on the wing, the side that beat Penrith in round one will prove up to date their greatest challenge. However, the grounding leadership of Wayne Bennett and inspiring heroics of Felise Kaufusi will provide much anticipation, even though the Broncos are favorites.
Having won as the underdogs in two of their last three fixtures, the friday night clash is expected to be one of the games of the season so far, as Wayne Bennett looks to get his ‘fins up’ once again. They also face the Dragons in round five which, although may seem like an easier fixture, could prove close as has been the theme of the NRL premiership so far.
For more insight into the Dolphins entry into the NRL and pre-season which has set up success in the first three rounds, the Stan exclusive ‘Dawn of the Dolphins’ outlines their journey so far, from winning the franchise bid in 2021 to starting pre-season in December with a mix of new debutants and recently signed experienced veterans.
Ultimately, the NRL season so far has been amazingly unpredictable, and the Dolphins heroics have been forefront, with tipping being particularly challenging and the top eight looking as open as ever. Whilst the Dolphins early momentum is expected to slow, and a first season premiership would be incredibly unlikely, the side will look to make a strong top eight campaign, and develop into contenders in the coming years, as Wayne Bennett looks to sign more talents for the seasons ahead.