Dolphins Forward Outlines Injury Return Timeline After ACL Setback

The Dolphins have received a cautiously optimistic update on Max Plath's recovery, as the versatile forward aims to come back early in the 2026 season following his ACL surgery.

Plath was a standout player for the Dolphins in 2024 but faced challenges in 2025, managing only eight NRL games due to a season-ending knee injury.

In a recent media briefing during the club's pre-season, the 24-year-old noted that his rehabilitation is progressing well. He is drawing confidence from having undergone a similar recovery earlier in his career. "I've done it before, I know what it's like and I know it's going to be fine," Plath said.

He added, "It's been a long six months, but it's coming along really strong now; it's at the point where they're actually holding me back a little bit."

Although a return by Round 1 has been dismissed as unlikely, Plath remains hopeful about playing early in the season, with Round 3 or 4 appearing to be a more attainable goal as he approaches the nine-month recovery milestone.

Once cleared to play, Plath is expected to regain match fitness through the Dolphins' Queensland Cup affiliate, Redcliffe, where he will seek to make his way back into the NRL squad.