The Dolphins were the NRL's best attacking team in 2025, and enter 2026 looking to play finals for the first time.
Now three years into their journey as the NRL's 17th side, the Dolphins have narrowly missed the top eight in each of the last two campaigns, but certainly have all the tools to go a step further than they have to date.
But the Dolphins face numerous big selection calls heading into 2026.
An enormous injury ward over the last 12 months will do that. Youngsters have broken out and others need to make their returns.
Add all that to a couple of key off-season recruits, including Selwyn Cobbo from the Broncos and English forward Morgan Knowles from St Helens, and it's not difficult to understand where the headaches are about to be.
Here are the key Dolphins' selection questions heading into 2026.
Who is the utility?
Kurt Donoghoe did a superb job last year for the Dolphins, and eventually wound up in the starting side owing to injuries.
Able to play hooker, lock, or other positions in a pinch, it's tough to mount an argument that he shouldn't start 2026 as the utility for Kristian Woolf's side.
Some of the selection headaches in the backline touched on earlier though mean either Jake Averillo or Kodi Nikorima could well miss the 17.
Both have excellent versatility, but there may not be room for both of them in the side.
You could make an argument that the bench can run with Donoghoe and one of the other duo, but it's just another headache for Woolf to come to a decision on this off-season.
I had never realised the depth they have got !
Several other coaches would kill for Woolf’s dilemma.