Daniel Saifiti, a prop for the Dolphins, has officially announced his medical retirement due to a persistent shoulder issue.
At 30 years old, this powerhouse from New South Wales had undergone surgery last year, but despite his efforts in rehabilitation, he has not been able to return to NRL play.
This afternoon, he is set to hold a press conference where he will address this significant decision.
Saifiti last played for the Dolphins in Round Eight against Canberra last season.
His performance was commendable during his brief time with the Dolphins, having joined the team in 2025 after an impressive 183 games with Newcastle.
He earned a spot representing NSW in seven State of Origin matches and contributed significantly to the team's victories in the 2019 and 2021 series.
A proud representative of Fiji, he also played three Tests for the Bati.
Saifiti's arrival at the Dolphins was particularly significant, especially following the prior signing of former Brisbane prop Thomas Flegler.
Flegler faced his own challenges, dealing with nerve damage in his shoulder, which kept him out for most of both 2024 and 2025. The Dolphins narrowly missed out on finals in those seasons.