The NRL's latest expansion franchise is set for one of the most challenging periods in the club's short existence, with a plethora of star talent off-contract at the end of the 2027 season.
Headlining the list of players are Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Bostock, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Tom Flegler, Connelly Lemuelu, Morgan Knowles, and more.
It means the Dolphins stars are free to speak with rival clubs on November 1 this year for a 2028 contract if they aren't re-signed beforehand, sparking fears the talented group of players could be split up.
It's becoming progressively more concerning that a poaching raid on the Redcliffe talent is in-bound, and the Dolphins are facing an uphill battle to keep all their representative talent who are firming for a strong finals push in 2026.
With the incoming TV rights deal, worth around $5.3 billion kicking into gear in 2028, the upper echelon of talent in the NRL will benefit from the extra money being poured into the game.
Along with the addition of the PNG Chiefs, who can offer tax-free dollars to incentivise a move to Port Moresby, some serious cash can be thrown at the Dolphins' stars if they are to hit the open market in four months.
He will depart the club at the end of the year and incoming half George Williams has reportedly been given the nod to partner Isaiya Katoa in the halves, despite the English international recovering from intense neck surgery.
With many of the Dolphins' stars rising to their potential, which has seen Bostock make his NSW Blues debut and Finefuiaki and Lemuelu represent their respective countries, their price tag is inflating, making it increasingly difficult to juggle inside the NRL's salary cap.
It raises serious questions about who the Dolphins will look to prioritise, given they won't be able to keep everybody with the intricate compliances of the salary cap.
The Sydney Roosters have been constantly reported to be keen on making a play for Farnworth if he becomes available to talk in November.
With Mark Nawaqanitawase departing for Japanese rugby, and Daniel Tupou nearing retirement, the tri-colours could use some X-factor of Farnworth's calibre, despite locking up centre Reuben Garrick on a three-year deal.
But given he is yet to be allowed to speak with clubs outside of Redcliffe, the Dolphins will get the first chance to secure him to ward off rival clubs.
Arguably the best centre in the competition, Farnworth's price tag could be upwards of $1.3 million per season in his next contract.
Meanwhile, Wollongong junior Bostock was given an opportunity by the Dolphins to be a part of the expansion franchise, and took the opportunity with both hands.
The Dragons are currently undergoing a complete roster overhaul to secure a bright future for the joint venture.
It included the addition of Keaon Koloamatangi, Luke Metcalf, Kodi Nikorima, Connor Watson, Scott Drinkwater and Phillip Sami.
Along with that are the extensions of promising young forwards Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, Loko Pasifiki Tonga and the Couchman brothers.
It is unknown whether the Dragons are keen on Bostock, but if they are looking to have a crack on November 1, it would complete an incredible transformation in their squad and have them primed for a series of high-performing seasons.
The current NSW winger is unquestionably a long-term franchise player worth targeting to bring home if the Dolphins don't wrap him up beforehand.
Although the Dragons' big splash on the open market in recent months could mean they aren't looking for any more big names.
Given Isaako is on his way to Melbourne, and Jake Averillo is returning to Sydney with the Wests Tigers, the club must hold on to their talented outside backs, whose price-tags are exponentially growing as time goes by.
Without knowing what officials are thinking within the walls of Redcliffe, I'd say the priority is to retain Farnworth, Tabuai-Fidow, and one of the damaging back rowers on either side of the park, marked by their impact on the side.
Similar to what we've seen with the Panthers since the turn of the decade, the stacked side has been forced to split up due to the increasing value of the top-line players after winning consecutive premierships.
The club has had to let go Stephen Crichton, Apisai Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Jarome Luai and more for this reason, with trust in their pathways to hold the same elite standards but at a lower value.
If the Dolphins bunch face the same fate, it's up to the club to see if they can keep up with the challenge.
The Dolphins are on the edge of the top four and have really kicked into gear in 2026 after missing the Top 8 in their first three seasons.
It'll make for an interesting finals series to see how far the Redcliffe-based outfit can push heavyweights like the Panthers and Roosters, given on their day they've looked like world-beaters.
Although on other days they've looked troubled, exhibited in their loss to the Sharks in a 66-0 thrashing on home soil.
Since then, they've won two in a row and enjoyed the luxury of a much-needed bye at this time of the season.
They host cross-town rivals Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp, aiming to continue their recent winning form in the build-up to September.
