LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In their inaugural season, the Dolphins defied all odds and started off with a bang, but ultimately fell short and missed out on the finals.
However, with a solid foundation now in place and some impressive new recruits, expectations are high for the team to make a push for a top eight finish in 2024.
One area where the Dolphins struggled last year was dealing with injuries and suspensions, leaving them short on NRL-ready players.
However, the experience gained from fielding nine debutants should serve them well this time around, especially with the addition of talented players like Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler.
Despite being the new kids on the block, the Dolphins garnered immense support from fans across the country, becoming the second favorite team for many outside of Queensland.
Their rich history and loyal fan base helped them achieve impressive home attendance figures, trailing only their cross-town rivals, the Broncos.
However, the question remains whether this support will wane in their second year.
The Dolphins' forward pack, despite being older in age, proved their critics wrong last season with standout performances from players like Mark Nicholls and Jarrod Wallace.
But as they enter the 2024 season, it is crucial for the team to start focusing on developing the next generation of forwards.
With Tom Flegler as a star in the making, it will be up to young talents like Mason Teague and Oryn Keeley to step up to the NRL level and contribute to the team's success.