The Dolphins - can they make the finals?

[James Rick]

How far off are they from their maiden semi final appearance? I think they get there this year with a healthy roster and Brisbane will go off if both the Broncos and Dolphins are up and about at the same time.

 

[Fangs]

How far off are they from their maiden semi final appearance? I think they get there this year with a healthy roster and Brisbane will go off if both the Broncos and Dolphins are up and about at the same time.

Maybe this year.

They've had an impressive start to their NRL club career. Exceeded everyone's expectations. A finals finish in 2026 would be a fantastic result.

The big question is Flegler. Arguably the premier prop in the NRL prior to injury. Can he bounce back? If he does then they will absolutely challenge the finals.

 

[flippikat]

Maybe this year.

They've had an impressive start to their NRL club career. Exceeded everyone's expectations. A finals finish in 2026 would be a fantastic result.

The big question is Flegler. Arguably the premier prop in the NRL prior to injury. Can he bounce back? If he does then they will absolutely challenge the finals.

They certainly had some great performances in 2025, but need to sharpen up on defense.

If they've put in the effort on the tackle-bags in the off-season, they're a definite dark horse for 2026.

 

[Marshall_magic]

They’re in the fringe top 8 teams at the moment. If they have some good fortune they’ll make the finals this year.

If not it will probably happen in the next 2-3 years.

 

[Diesel]

Top 8 if relatively injury free to non-key positions they should crack it

 

[Wizardman]

I think it is a side that has received very little respect south of the border. I think they have had sides good enough to make the eight for the last two years. Their injury toll over the last two years has been underestimated as well.
They will play finals footy if not absolutely decimated like they have been the previous two seasons.

 

[Bazal]

I think Redcliffe have made lots and lots of semi finals. They're a pretty high performing QRL team.

Do you mean the The ?

 

[Canard]

Maybe this year.

They've had an impressive start to their NRL club career. Exceeded everyone's expectations. A finals finish in 2026 would be a fantastic result.

The big question is Flegler. Arguably the premier prop in the NRL prior to injury. Can he bounce back? If he does then they will absolutely challenge the finals.

Gilbert is just as bigger issue for mine.

Of the 72 games the Dolphins have played since their inception, Gilbert has played in 22 of them.

Since 2020 he has only played more than 12 games in a season ONCE.

He is such a vital player for them in terms of leadership and general on-field play (as well as QLD).

In 2022, Gilbert played 24 games for the Cowboys and they finished 3rd and had the 2nd best defence in the whole comp. Since he left, they have been dogshit.

Also what do you do with the Hammer conundrum? Play him at Fullback or Centre?

 

[Fangs]

Gilbert is just as bigger issue for mine.

Of the 72 games the Dolphins have played since their inception, Gilbert has played in 22 of them.

Since 2020 he has only played more than 12 games in a season ONCE.

He is such a vital player for them in terms of leadership and general on-field play (as well as QLD).

In 2022, Gilbert played 24 games for the Cowboys and they finished 3rd and had the 2nd best defence in the whole comp. Since he left, they have been dogshit.

Also what do you do with the Hammer conundrum? Play him at Fullback or Centre?

Its a good point. They've had a reputation of having an old man forward pack but Gilbert and Flegler bring youth.

Hammer should persist at fullback. Plenty of good things in attack with their spine in 2025.

 

[Canard]

Its a good point. They've had a reputation of having an old man forward pack but Gilbert and Flegler bring youth.

Hammer should persist at fullback. Plenty of good things in attack with their spine in 2025.

The Phins dont seem to be sold on him at FB though, having moved him around a fair bit in 2024 and 2025.

 

[James Rick]

I think Redcliffe have made lots and lots of semi finals. They're a pretty high performing QRL team.

Do you mean the The ?

I've always referred to the NRL team as Redcliffe but thread title has been edited to avoid confusion.

 

[James Rick]

Hammer should stay at fullback he's a weapon and fullback is the position where he is best utilised.

 

[Barney Stubble]

should play finals this season yes

 

[gerg]

Maybe this year.

They've had an impressive start to their NRL club career. Exceeded everyone's expectations. A finals finish in 2026 would be a fantastic result.

The big question is Flegler. Arguably the premier prop in the NRL prior to injury. Can he bounce back? If he does then they will absolutely challenge the finals.

Not even close to Haas, Tapine, AFB or JFH.

 

[Fangs]

Not even close to Haas, Tapine, AFB or JFH.

He hasn't played Rugby League since April 2024. So right now its just about getting him on the field.

Fingers crossed for him though. I was excited for the Dolphins year one when they bought Flegler and Farnworth from Brisbane.

 

[Wb1234]

On paper a top four side

They can blow teams away when they feel like it then get belted by 50 the next week

One of the best rosters in the nrl

An all Brisbane grand final would be epic but I think the dolphins will underperform again but they should make the eight