The Dolphins entered the NRL in 2023 with a roster built around experienced forwards, emerging young talent and a number of exciting outside backs.
Under Wayne Bennett the club established a strong culture and quickly proved they were capable of competing with the top sides in the competition.
By 2025 the Dolphins had developed into one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the NRL. In fact, they finished the season as the number one attacking team in the competition, yet still missed the finals and finished ninth.
That statistic alone highlights both the immense attacking ability within their roster and the areas that still need improvement if they are to become a genuine contender.
Injuries to key middle forwards played a major role. With players such as Tom Gilbert and Thomas Flegler sidelined for long periods, the Dolphins struggled to generate consistent dominance through the middle of the field. Instead, they were often forced to rely on a smaller, more mobile pack to compete with some of the biggest forward rotations in the competition.
While that lack of size and aggression at times hurt their ability to control matches, it did create an opportunity for a number of younger players to develop. Players such as Max Plath, Kurt Donoghoe and Oryn Keeley have gained valuable experience and shown that the club has a strong pipeline of emerging talent ready to contribute.
With several key players returning from injury and the squad continuing to mature together, the Dolphins appear well placed to take another step forward. If they can improve their control through the middle of the field and match their attacking brilliance with greater defensive resilience, they have the potential to push into finals contention.
These are the five players who must improve in 2026 if the Dolphins are to take that next step.
2. Tom Gilbert
Why his role is so important
Tom Gilbert feels like he has been around the NRL for a long time, yet he has still played fewer than 70 first grade matches. Since arriving at the Dolphins, much of that has been due to injuries that have interrupted his progress and limited the amount of time he has been able to spend on the field.
Gilbert first emerged at the North Queensland Cowboys where he quickly built a reputation as a player who performed well beyond his years. His game has always been built on relentless effort, high intensity and a willingness to put his body on the line in both attack and defence.
Now named co-captain of the Dolphins alongside young halfback Isaiah Katoa, Gilbert's leadership will be critical for a side that has shown enormous attacking ability but has struggled at times to control the physical battles through the middle of the field. His presence brings aggression, accountability and a player who naturally leads by example.
What needs to improve
The biggest challenge for Gilbert is simply getting back onto the field consistently. Injuries in recent seasons have halted his development and prevented him from building the rhythm and match fitness required to perform at his best week after week.
His eagerness in defence is often one of his greatest strengths, but it can also become a liability if his timing or positioning is slightly off.
Gilbert plays with enormous commitment and intensity, which means his defensive decisions must remain controlled and disciplined to avoid putting pressure on his teammates.
If he can rediscover the balance between aggression and control while maintaining his durability across the season, Gilbert has several levels still left to reach in his game.
Why his improvement matters
The Dolphins have proven they can be a dangerous attacking team. With players such as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock and Jamayne Isaako, combined with the continued development of Isaiah Katoa, they have the ability to score points from almost anywhere on the field.
Where the Dolphins have struggled at times is defensively, particularly in controlling the ruck and winning the forward battle when momentum shifts against them. This is where Gilbert's return becomes extremely important.
A fully fit Tom Gilbert adds aggression and authority through the middle of the field. His work rate, leadership and defensive intensity can help slow down opposition attacks and provide the platform needed for the Dolphins' outside backs to thrive.
If Gilbert can stay healthy and return to the level he showed earlier in his career, he could be one of the most influential players in determining whether the Dolphins take the next step and push into finals contention.
