LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Dolphins are inching closer to playoff football as the season progresses, and they might soon be positioned to mount a serious challenge higher up the ladder in future seasons.
This rising team, coached by Kristian Woolf, faced significant injury issues in 2025 but still secured a ninth-place finish, just two points shy of the top eight.
Now three seasons into their journey, the Dolphins feel they are merely a bit of good health away from making a substantial leap forward. More importantly, a solid core of their squad is secured for years ahead.
While there are questions regarding their strategy for building the team, a major benefit of being an ascending squad is the interest from prospective players wanting to join the Redcliffe-based club.
This dynamic enhances their prospects of signing players at market value or less, potentially leading to advantageous acquisitions for 2027. This comes despite some salary cap constraints due to recent contracts, including the re-signing of Herbie Farnworth and other significant contracts with players like Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Current Dolphins 2027 squad
Jack Bostock, Kurt Donoghoe, Herbie Farnworth, John Fineanganofo, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Thomas Flegler, Tom Gilbert, Isaiya Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Morgan Knowles, Jeremy Marshall-King, Tevita Naufahu, LJ Nonu, Max Plath, Elijah Rasmussen, Sebastian Su'a, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Off-contract at the end of 2026
Jake Averillo, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Feagai, Trai Fuller, Jamayne Isaako, Oryn Keeley, Connely Lemuelu, Francis Molo, Kodi Nikorima, Daniel Saifiti (player option), Brad Schneider, Ray Stone, Lewis Symonds