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.
3. Tom Flegler
Why his role is so important
Tom Flegler's time at the Dolphins has been defined by perseverance. After arriving from the Brisbane Broncos as a State of Origin front rower and one of the most aggressive middle forwards in the competition, his career was suddenly halted by a serious injury that kept him out of the game for nearly two years.
The injury was considered career threatening at one stage, making his return to the field an achievement in itself. Through patience, rehabilitation and determination, Flegler worked his way back to the point where he could again take the field for the Dolphins.
His comeback moment came in a trial match where he crossed for a try in his first appearance in nearly two seasons. While trial form is never a true indicator of what lies ahead, it was a fitting reward for the resilience he has shown just to get back onto the rugby league field.
At his best, Flegler brings controlled aggression, strong defensive intent and the ability to dominate through the middle of the field. Those traits are exactly what the Dolphins have been missing during his absence.
What needs to improve
After such a long time away from the game, the biggest challenge for Flegler will be rebuilding his match fitness and rediscovering the rhythm required to perform consistently at NRL level.
Front rowers rely heavily on conditioning, timing and the ability to repeat high intensity efforts. Returning from a long layoff means there will naturally be a period of adjustment as Flegler works his way back toward the level he previously produced.
Prior to the injury he was steadily increasing his minutes, consistently hitting his defensive targets and becoming a forward capable of controlling the ruck. With the ball he has the power to bend defensive lines and even possesses a deceptive offload that can create second phase play when used at the right moment.
Trial matches may show encouraging signs, but the real test will come when he returns to the week-to-week grind of the NRL season.
Why his improvement matters
With the Dolphins' lightning quick backline, Flegler's control of the ruck could become the key to unlocking their attacking potential.
More importantly, it will help them defensively.
One of the Dolphins' biggest issues in recent seasons has been opposition sides generating momentum through the middle of the field. When defensive lines are constantly retreating and holes are being punched through the ruck, it becomes extremely difficult for edge defenders and outside backs to manage their assignments.
If Flegler can return close to his previous level, slowing the ruck and winning the middle collisions, the entire defensive structure becomes stronger. With better control through the middle, the Dolphins' outside backs will be able to defend far more comfortably while also receiving the field position needed to maximise their attacking speed.
