Fitting in: Dolphins face forward puzzle with returning stars

The Dolphins are gearing up for the 2026 season, and the possibility of having a fully fit roster has ignited a competitive spirit among their key forwards, as they aim to secure their positions in Kristian Woolf's lineup.

Connelly Lemuelu has recently signed a one-year extension, stating that his primary objective for the upcoming season is to earn a starting role. Meanwhile, Max Plath, who was awarded the Arthur Beetson Medal as the club's best player in 2024, is on the path to recovery after undergoing ACL surgery six months ago.

Returning for Round 1 are key players such as captain Tom Gilbert, State of Origin stars Thomas Flegler and Daniel Saifiti, as well as Pacific Championship participants Jeremy Marshall-King and Francis Molo. Additionally, the Dolphins have welcomed England international Morgan Knowles, bolstering their forward lineup significantly following a challenging 2025 season.

This past season saw the emergence of versatile player Kurt Donoghoe, who can play various positions including half, lock, backrower, and hooker. His strong performance as a middle forward adds another layer of complexity for Plath, who is focusing on making his return to the NRL by Round 3.