The 2023 NRL season will have a new dynamic as the NRL decided to add another team to the competition.
Enter, The Dolphins.
The Dolphins are located in Brisbane and based out of Redcliffe, but rather than promote their brand with a location, the NRL decided to just go with the Dolphins logo as their identity, so it will be interesting to see what sort of following they receive. Everyone has an opinion on just how the Dolphins will fair in NRL season 2023, but let’s take a deeper look at the NRL’s new toy.
The Dolphins
Since 1995, expansion teams (which still exist in the NRL) have had the following results:
1995 = Cowboys 19th (2 wins) & Warriors 10th (13 wins)
1998 = Storm 3rd (17 wins)
2007 = Titans 12th (10 wins)
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype that the Dolphins will be a failure. If you listen to the media, they haven’t recruited a ‘big name’ player to lead this team forward. While true in theory, the biggest name of all is steering the ship, Wayne Bennett. You also don’t need a team of champions, just a champion team (I’m here all week). History proves that Bennett rarely gets it wrong. He doesn’t take opportunities which he sees as too challenging (forget the Knights) or overwhelming (still managed to handle the crap that is the Dragons…but then bailed). You will see this first hand once the Stan documentary airs on March 6th. For that reason alone, the Dolphins will not finish last on the ladder.
Their recruitment has been questioned. In theory, it has been difficult for players to immediately shift to this team. It was always going to take time. The more established this club becomes, the greater chance they are at obtaining high level players. The squad of players they have assembled is decent enough; just because they have players that other NRL clubs didn’t want, doesn’t make them poor players. It could be a positive...
Let’s look at a few players to watch:
Jamayne Isaako = He was a top-level player at the Broncos (and a great goal kicker) but found a few better players that were in favour. He has a point to prove by moving to the Dolphins and is not short on talent.
Felise Kaufusi, Jesse Bromwich & Kenny Bromwich = The trio from the Storm may be old, but they bring a wealth of experience with them. This club will be better for their involvement. It’s important to their success that they all stay fit. Never underestimate the influence that experience can bring to a club.
Ray Stone = A discard from the Eels, Stone has his strengths. He was a suitable replacement for Mahoney in 2021 but proved to be a few levels below the injured rake. That doesn’t mean he isn’t capable. The style of the Eels didn’t suit his play entirely. What does work for Stone is a hard-edge gameplan that takes the match to their opponents in defence. Expect him to fit in nicely at the Dolphins.
Isaiya Katoa = Remember the name. He is a superstar on the rise and was in line at the Panthers to take over in the halves. He made the (right) decision to go elsewhere based on those in front of him. He has an old head on young shoulders and will ensure they win more games than they lose.
Jarrod Wallace = an NRL journey that still hasn’t found his place. Could this be it? If it is, look out! With a great offload and fast play-the-ball, he could find his place in this system.
Jeremy Marshall-King = The Bulldogs released him for a better player (Reed Mahoney), so he has a point to prove. Enter Bennett – the master at motivating such players – you can expect a big year from Marshall-King at hooker. In a poorly performing team (the Bulldogs) his efforts often went unnoticed. He will be a solid number 9.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow = The electric flyer offers so much and fits the profile of a player Bennett would want to nurture. He could be anything! Already on the fringes of Origin, yet struggling to assert himself at his current club, expect him to find his place at the Dolphins, coinciding with some amazing rugby league.
Sean O’Sullivan (and Anthony Milford) = O’Sullivan was a suitable replacement last year for the Panthers in a great system. This is his biggest challenge. The hype has always been large, and it is time for him to prove himself. Milford is included because he will be a factor should O’Sullivan not succeed. On face value, their best combination appears to be that of O’Sullivan and Katoa.
What Dolphins betting markets should you invest in?
None. The picture of the Dolphins will become clearer after the first few rounds, but we think they'll do enough to avoid finishing on the bottom of the NRL ladder. If you have a mate (or two) that are doubting their credentials and think that they will get the spoon, take them on, win some money and abuse a misjudgement.
Stay tuned for an update on the Dolphins as the season progresses!
