The Dolphins have made an impressive leap from their inception to qualifying for their first finals campaign.
Since entering the NRL in 2023, they have navigated the challenges of forming a new team, earning respect and success along the way.
Tom Gilbert, one of the founding players, has witnessed this evolution and shares the sentiment that their finals appearance is about more than simply being in the top eight.
Initially, predictions were grim for the new club, with many anticipating a last-place finish during their inaugural season.
However, the Dolphins defied expectations, securing three consecutive victories at the beginning of the season and concluding the year in 13th place.
Gradually, they have built upon their early successes, establishing themselves as a formidable force within the league.
This season's achievements reflect their continued improvement, culminating in a commendable third-place finish.
While the Dolphins may lack finals experience as a team, Gilbert believes their growth as individual players and their representative experiences create a solid foundation for success.
He credits this advancement to a collective effort towards incremental improvement, emphasizing, "It took a lot of reflection, taking feedback, well, having a desire to get better each month of the year, and using your preseason and training."
Their consistent approach contrasts with the challenges faced by other teams in the league.