Max Plath appears poised for an NRL comeback in Round 2, as the Dolphins have announced he will return through reserve grade this weekend.
Plath was a key player for the Dolphins in 2025, making significant contributions from various positions within the forward pack until he faced an ACL injury during the latter part of the season.
Initially, the club expected his return wouldn't happen before Round 1, but recent developments have accelerated that timeline.
Although Plath was considered a slim prospect for the season opener, Kristian Woolf did not include him in the lineup against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday; however, it has now come to light that he will take to the field with the reserve grade team.
This Sunday afternoon, the Dolphins will compete against the Burleigh Bears in the QLD Cup at their home ground in Redcliffe, featuring players such as Karl Oloapu and Riley Price on the roster as well.
Plath is expected to play from the bench during this match.
His participation in the QLD Cup suggests he may be ready to join the NRL squad against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 2, or potentially for the away game against the Cronulla Sharks in Round 3.
Once fully fit, Plath is anticipated to reclaim the starting lock position, with Morgan Knowles likely returning to the bench, which could mean Sebastian Su'a or Brent Woolf may find themselves out of the 19-man squad named to face the Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium.