Act of Squad: Dolphins predicted team and 2026 overview

After narrowly missing their first finals appearance, the Dolphins are positioned to make history this year, provided they can maintain a healthy squad.

Their forward lineup faced significant injury setbacks in the first half of the 2025 season, followed by troubles in the backline as the year concluded. With key players like Daniel Saifiti, Tom Gilbert, and the versatile Max Plath sidelined for extended periods, their squad depth was severely tested.

However, this season, their depth is stronger than ever, despite some retirements-such as Mark Nicholls and Kenny Bromwich-and departures to rival teams, including Josh Kerr and Aublix Tawha. Most of their forwards are expected to be ready from the early rounds, including Origin representative Thomas Flegler, who is set to make his NRL return after being out since Round 5, 2024.

This abundance of talent may make it challenging for some club favorites like Connelly Lemuelu, Ray Stone, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, and the Storm-bound Oryn Keeley to secure a spot in the final lineup.

In the backline, fans are eager to see Trai Fuller included. The arrival of Maroons representative Selwyn Cobbo, combined with the reliability of lesser-known players like Jamayne Isaako and Jake Averillo, complicates the situation for emerging talents such as Tevita Naufahu and Jack Bostock, who is coming back from an ACL injury.

Here's a potential starting lineup:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Max Plath
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Morgan Knowles
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Felise Kaufusi
16. Francis Molo
17. Trai Fuller

This depth and potential lineup suggest that, barring further injuries, the Dolphins are well-equipped to challenge for a finals spot in the upcoming season.