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.
5. Daniel Saifiti
Why his role is so important
Daniel Saifiti joined the Dolphins at the start of 2025 after many seasons with the Newcastle Knights, where he and his twin brother Jacob became one of the most recognisable front row pairings in the competition. Both brothers represented New South Wales in State of Origin and were central figures in the Knights' forward pack for several years.
Saifiti arrived at the Dolphins at an important time for the club as they were transitioning their forward pack. Veteran leaders such as Jesse Bromwich were moving on, and key signing Thomas Flegler had been sidelined with a long-term injury.
The Dolphins needed experienced middle forwards capable of handling the physical demands of the competition while helping establish the next phase of the club's development.
In the limited appearances he made during his first season with the Dolphins, Saifiti showed why he has been so highly regarded throughout his career. Across the eight matches he played, he contributed strongly through the middle, bringing size, mobility and the ability to generate momentum through contact.
What needs to improve
The biggest challenge for Saifiti in recent seasons has been availability. Injuries have interrupted his rhythm and limited his ability to build consistent form across a full season.
Throughout his career there has also been a perception that his performances can fluctuate between dominant displays and quieter periods. At times critics have pointed to ball-handling errors as part of that inconsistency.
At his best, however, Saifiti possesses the physical tools to dominate contests. His size, mobility and ability to offload make him a genuine middle enforcer capable of matching the top props in the competition. The key for him now is sustaining that level consistently once fully fit.
Why his improvement matters
For the Dolphins to take the next step as a club, their middle rotation must become one of the strongest in the competition. Saifiti has the ability to be a central part of that.
Once he fully recovers from his shoulder injury, the Dolphins will need him to quickly approach his peak levels. His experience and physical presence add a hard edge to the pack, particularly when combined with the returning power of Thomas Flegler and the leadership of Tom Gilbert.
If Saifiti can remain healthy and deliver consistent performances through the middle, the Dolphins suddenly possess a forward rotation capable of competing with any pack in the NRL. That platform would give their dangerous outside backs and developing playmakers the field position needed to push the club toward genuine finals contention.
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