The Dolphins are preparing for a critical preliminary final and face significant decisions regarding their roster, with 14 players set to enter free agency on November 1.
Among these players are standout backline talents like Herbie Farnworth, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, and Jack Bostock. CEO Terry Reader expressed optimism about retaining most of these players, despite the common belief in the NRL that "you can't keep them all."
Reader noted that departures from the team include Jake Averillo, Jamayne Isaako, and Kodi Nikorima, while elite prop Daniel Saifiti's retirement will also free up salary cap space.
Farnworth, who recently was named man of the match in the qualifiers, is linked to a potential move to the Sydney Roosters. However, he emphasizes that his priority is winning a premiership with the Dolphins.
"He's focused on winning a premiership… and in his words, 'winning a World Cup with England' as well," Reader shared, adding there has been no indication suggesting Farnworth aims to leave.
The club's culture encourages players to remain together and potentially take less money to compete for titles. Reader highlighted that the addition of new players from the development list could improve their salary cap management.
Despite claims of extravagant offers for Dolphins players being "exaggerated", Reader noted that upcoming changes to the salary cap would allow for roughly a 20% increase in player salaries.
A strong core of players has the potential to build a competitive team, with Reader stressing that continuity can lead to success, similar to Penrith's recent dominance in the league.