The Dolphins and Gold Coast Titans had their first competitive hit-out of 2026, with the Titans claiming a 24-12 win at Redcliffe.
Here are all the key talking points out of the game that will leave both Krisitan Woolf and Josh Hannay with plenty to think about ahead of Round 1.
2. Averillo a likely exclusion in 2026
The Dolphins backline - and the number of players out doing the number of spots available - has been one of the storylines to follow throughout the pre-season.
While many of the top options didn't play on Thursday evening, there are seven top options for five spots, with more if you consider last year's rookie Tevita Naufahu.
What is clear is that Jamayne Isaako will start on a wing, Jack Bostock will do the same once he returns in Round 10, and Herbie Farnworth, who is one of, if not, the best centre in the game, will be at centre.
That leaves just two spots in a full strength side. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow takes one of those, although whether it's at centre or fullback depends on whether Trai Fuller plays.
Even if he doesn't, there is an argument to be made that Selwyn Cobbo, who has joined the club from the Broncos over the off-season takes the vacant spot, relegating Averillo to a back utility role on the six-man bench.
Cobbo looked extremely good on Thursday night when he did get the ball in hand, although probably needs to go looking for more work if he is going to mount a serious case to hold a spot in this stacked backline throughout the course of the year.
