Finishing third in the regular season, the Dolphins are preparing to host the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium in week three of the finals.
The match follows a week off and gives the four-season-old club a chance to reach its first Grand Final.
Former NRL star Matty Johns believes the Dolphins can develop into an elite club, potentially matching Melbourne's stature during the 2010s.
Their attacking strength is led by Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth and Jamayne Isaako, alongside the dangerous Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
The Dolphins' forward pack has also adapted effectively to the NRL's increased pace while maintaining a strong collective work ethic.
Isaako will join Melbourne after the season, creating an opening for Tevita Naufahu to establish himself on the wing from 2027.
Naufahu has signed a two-year extension keeping him at Redcliffe until the end of 2029.
Johns sees representative experience and emerging talent throughout the squad as foundations for sustained success.
Retaining Farnworth is a major challenge, with the centre eligible to enter the open market on November 1 for a 2028 contract.
After securing Cobbo, the Dolphins are expected to make a strong effort to keep Farnworth, regarded as one of the world's best players.
A premiership in their fourth season would be a remarkable beginning for the NRL's 17th franchise and could intensify expansion discussions.
The other preliminary final will see the Panthers host the Knights in Sydney.