Tom Gilbert's experience with the Dolphins offers the Perth Bears a lesson in handling doubts about a new club.
Perth is due to join the NRL as its 18th team next season.
The Bears lost their original CEO and general manager of football earlier this year, and have yet to sign a marquee player.
Critics have tipped Perth for the wooden spoon and questioned whether it can win during the opening months.
Dolphins prop Gilbert says the Bears should welcome the criticism and use it to strengthen the group, particularly during their first pre-season.
"Enjoy people writing you off, enjoy people having their doubts against you because that's the easiest thing to do."
The Dolphins faced doubts before entering the competition in 2023, but won their first three games and finished their debut season 13th.
Gilbert says the club is now a top-four side. Although the Dolphins missed the finals in their first year, that campaign laid foundations for further development.