Dolphins (NRL)

The Dolphins are a professional rugby league football team based in the Redcliffe Peninsula area of the Moreton Bay Region, Queensland, that competes in the Australian National Rugby League (NRL). Launched as a bid for inclusion into the NRL by Queensland Cup side Redcliffe Dolphins in 2020, the Dolphins were granted a separate licence in October 2021 to compete as the national league's 17th side from the 2023 season onwards. It is the fourth NRL team in the state of Queensland, and the second in the capital city of Brisbane, alongside the Brisbane Broncos. The Dolphins are the first team to join the NRL competition since the Gold Coast Titans joined in 2007.

This article is about the professional NRL team. For the semi-professional Queensland Cup club, see Redcliffe Dolphins.

Dolphins[lower-alpha 1]
Club information
Full nameDolphins[lower-alpha 1]
Colours  Red   White   Gold
Founded2023
WebsiteOfficial website
Current details
Ground(s)
CEOTerry Reader
CoachWayne Bennett[4]
CaptainJesse Bromwich[5]
CompetitionNational Rugby League
2023 seasonTBD
Uniforms
Records
Premierships0
Runners-up0
Minor premiership0
Wooden spoons0
Most capped0 –
Highest points scorer0 –

History

Coinciding with the opening of a new grandstand at Moreton Daily Stadium,[7] (known as Kayo Stadium from 7 December 2022),[8] the Redcliffe Dolphins launched a bid on 22 September 2020 for the inclusion of a separate new team in the national competition. On 13 October 2021, the 17th NRL licence was granted to the Dolphins after they competed for it against two other consortiums (the Brisbane Firehawks and Brisbane Jets) also linked to existing Queensland Cup clubs.[9] Wayne Bennett was signed as the inaugural NRL coach.[10] On 26 November 2021, the Dolphins made their first major signing for their 2023 entry, recruiting Felise Kaufusi from the Melbourne Storm.[11] Not long after, he was joined by Storm team mates, Jesse Bromwich (who was named as the Dolphins inaugural team captain in February 2023)[12] and his brother Kenny Bromwich. Although separately licensed, the Dolphins NRL venture is owned by the Redcliffe Dolphins and is their fully professional spin-off club.[13]

In December 2021, it was confirmed that QRL team the Central Queensland Capras had secured a full affiliation deal with the Dolphins.[14] The Capras and Dolphins deal should see up to six Dolphins NRL players compete for the Capras in the Queensland Cup competition each week.[15] In May 2022. the PNG Hunters announced a strategic pathways partnership with the Dolphins that includes full NRL pre-season participation for four young Papua New Guinean players, beginning in the PNGNRL Digicel Cup, through to the PNG Hunters in the Queensland Rugby League state competition and then directly into the Australian NRL system.[16]

On 7 November 2022, inaugural pre-season training for 2023 began.[17] Pre-season trial matches were scheduled against the Central Queensland Capras at Marley Brown Oval in Gladstone on 4 February 2023 [18] (the Dolphins won 24-8),[19] against the North Queensland Cowboys at Barlow Park in Cairns on 12 February [20] (the Dolphins drew 22-22),[21] and the Gold Coast Titans on 19 February[22] at Kayo Stadium.[23][24]

On 10 November 2022, the NRL officially released the 2023 fixtures.[25] This included the Dolphins' first NRL match, against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday 5 March 2023 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane to honour rugby league Immortal Arthur Beetson, a former player and coach of both the Redcliffe Dolphins and the Roosters.[26][27][28]

Name and colours
Dolphins NRL away and home jerseys 2023 (front view)

The Dolphins retained the red and white of their Queensland Cup counterparts, with gold added to the colour scheme to avoid a clash with NRL club St. George Illawarra Dragons. Otherwise, the 'Redcliffe' name is not being used in an effort to broaden appeal nationally beyond the local region.[9][29]

After a fan vote in July 2022, "Phinny" the Dolphin was confirmed as the club's NRL mascot.[30]

Jerseys

On 27 October 2021, the Dolphins unveiled a heritage jersey design, inspired by the Redcliffe Dolphins jersey from the 1980s. The design is predominantly red, with white sleeves and a gold trim.[31] On 2 October 2022, the debut home jersey design for 2023 was unveiled just prior to kick-off of the 2022 NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium in Sydney.[32] The inaugural away jersey was released on 11 November.[33] Otherwise, the team training shirt is predominantly black in colour.[34]

  • Dolphins NRL 2023 heritage jersey
  • Dolphins NRL training shirt 2023
  • Dolphins NRL away and home jerseys 2023 (back view)
  • Dolphins NRL corporate shirt 2023

Kit sponsors and manufacturers
Year Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsors Back sponsors Sleeve sponsors Shorts sponsors
2023–Classic Sportswear[35]Adventure Kings[36]
The Cove[6][32]		BlueBet[37]
Foxi Invest[32]		Budget Direct[38]KFC[32]
Ok2Play?[32]

Players
Dolphins 2023 Foundation Squad
Top 30 NRL Squad – 2023 Season Development Players Coaching Staff

Extended squad

Head coach

Assistant coaches

  • Nathan Fien
  • Kristian Woolf
  • Jeremy Hickmans (Head of Performance)
  • Blake Duncan (Athletic Performance Coach)
  • Elliot Jackson (Athletic Performance Coach)

Medical Professionals

  • Sam Madden (Head Physiotherapist)
  • Adam Schumacher (Physiotherapist)
  • John Davey (Head of Sports Science & Performance Analysis)
  • Dr Peter Hackney (Doctor)
  • Dr Brendan Thompson (Doctor)
Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice captain(s)
  • Development players[39]
  • Extended squad[40]

Updated: 8 February 2023
Source(s): NRL,

2023 Signings

Pre-season training commenced 7 November 2022,[32][41] with 7 December designated as the inaugural open training session for fans and the general public to attend.[42] The Dolphins' first NRL match is scheduled for Sunday 5 March 2023 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.[43]

PlayerPrevious ClubLength
Euan AitkenNew Zealand Warriors2024[44]
Brenton BairaMackay Cutters2023[45]
Tory BathNudgee College2024[46]
Jack BostockSt. George Illawarra Dragons2025[47]
Jesse BromwichMelbourne Storm2024[48]
Kenny BromwichMelbourne Storm2025[49]
Bailey ButlerCQ Capras2024[46]
JJ CollinsTweed Heads Seagulls2023[50]
John-Paul DonevskiPenrith Panthers2024[46]
Herman Ese'eseGold Coast Titans2023[51]
Poasa FaamausiliSt. George Illawarra Dragons2023[52]
Trai FullerRedcliffe Dolphins2023[53]
Tom GilbertNorth Queensland Cowboys2023[54]
Oliver GildartWests Tigers2023[55]
Harrison GrahamWynnum-Manly Seagulls2023[56]
Lachlan HubnerCQ Capras2024[46]
Cody HunterRedcliffe Dolphins2023[57]
Jamayne IsaakoGold Coast Titans2025[58]
Ryan JacksonWynnum Manly Seagulls2023[50]
Robert JenningsPenrith Panthers2025[59]
Isaiya KatoaPenrith Panthers2025[60]
Felise KaufusiMelbourne Storm2025[61]
Brenko LeeBrisbane Broncos2024[62]
Edrick LeeNewcastle Knights2024[63]
Connelly LemueluNorth Queensland Cowboys2024[64]
Jeremy Marshall-KingCanterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs2024[65]
Anthony MilfordNewcastle Knights2024[66]
Mark NichollsSouth Sydney Rabbitohs2024[67]
Kodi NikorimaSouth Sydney Rabbitohs2024[68]
Sean O'SullivanPenrith Panthers2025[69]
Elijah RasmussenWestlake Boys High School2023[70]
Michael RobertsNorthern Rivers Titans2023[56]
Radean RobinsonCQ Capras2024[46]
Jeremiah SimbikenRedcliffe Dolphins2025[71]
Ray StoneParramatta Eels2024[72]
Tyler SzepanowskiCQ Capras2024[46]
Hamiso Tabuai- FidowNorth QueenslandCowboys2024[73]
Mason TeaguePenrith Panthers2024[74]
Valynce Te WhareKing Country Rugby Football Union2024[56]
Setu TuRedcliffe Dolphins2023[75]
Jarrod WallaceGold Coast Titans2024[76]
Michael WaqaRedcliffe Dolphins2024[46]

Home grounds

The Dolphins are to play most of their twelve home games at the 52,500-capacity Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with a few other matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium and Kayo Stadium,[77] which also serves as a training and administration base.[78] The redevelopment of Browne Park in Rockhampton may also see occasional Dolphins' games at that venue.[15]

  • Suncorp Stadium entry
  • Suncorp Stadium sign
  • Suncorp Stadium interior
  • Moreton Daily signage (now Kayo Stadium)
  • Moreton Daily Stadium wall (now Kayo Stadium)
  • Dolphins NRL 2023 warm up tee-shirt
  • Moreton Daily Stadium (now Kayo Stadium)

Affiliations & Junior Clubs

QUEENSLAND CUP AFFILIATES
Redcliffe Dolphins
Central Queensland Capras
PNG Hunters

BRL AFFILIATES
Brighton Roosters
Pine Rivers Bears

REGIONAL AFFILIATES
Wide Bay & Bundaberg Region[79]

LOCAL JUNIOR CLUBS
A list of Junior Rugby League clubs within the Dolphins primary base.

Albany Creek Crushers
Beachmere Pelicans
Bribie Island Warrigals
Brighton Roosters
Burpengary Jets
Caboolture Snakes
Dayboro Cowboys
Moreton Bay Raiders
Narangba Rangers
North Lakes Kangaroos
Pine Central Holy Spirit
Pine Rivers Bears
Redcliffe Dolphins
Samford Stags
Valleys Diehards

Further notes
  1. The official brand name of the new club team competing in the NRL from 2023 onwards is “Dolphins”. Although the official company name of the parent club remains the "Redcliffe District Rugby League Football Club Inc" and the name “Redcliffe Dolphins” was dropped, the old squad still competing separately in the Queensland state competition remains branded as the "Redcliffe Dolphins".[1][2] The NRL-bid director for the team (Terry Reader) said in 2021 that they “...had to be careful about how we name it because we don’t want to alienate anyone and we want to make sure we have the biggest reach.” He added that: “We want to make sure we’ve got broader appeal and whether that’s a more contemporary look and feel, it’s because we’re a national NRL club and the Redcliffe Dolphins will remain and play in the Q-Cup.”[3]
  2. Debut 2023 home jersey design differs to this illustration.

References
  1. Brunsdon, Simon (13 October 2021). "The Dolphins, NRL defend dropping 'Redcliffe' from their name". wwos.nine.com.au. Nine Network. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  2. Chisholm, Ed (13 October 2021). "Fans hit out at 'farcial' call to name NRL's 17th team 'The Dolphins'". Sporting News.
  3. Tiernan, Eamonn (14 October 2021). "'Don't want to alienate anyone': NRL Dolphins explain name decision as debate rages". Fox Sports Australia. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  4. Hytner, Mike (21 October 2021). "Wayne Bennett confirmed as Dolphins' inaugural NRL coach". The Guardian. The Guardian Australia. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  5. https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/02/03/theres-our-captain-bromwich-unveiled-as-dolphins-skipper/
  6. "DOLPHINS Team Store - Official Store of the NRL DOLPHINS".
  7. Gould, Joel (22 September 2020). "Dolphins bid 'NRL-ready' with new stadium complete". NRL.com. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  8. "Kayo Stadium officially becomes NRL's newest venue". 7 December 2022.
  9. Kennedy, Chris (13 October 2021). "NRL-ready for 2023: Reasons behind Dolphins' successful bid". NRL.com. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  10. Proszenko, Michael (13 October 2021). "NRL open to adding 18th team after Dolphins get nod as new Brisbane club". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 October 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. "Dolphins snare Kaufusi in first major signing". National Rugby League. 26 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  12. "Bromwich named inaugural Dolphins captain". 3 February 2023.
  13. "Dolphins granted licence to become NRL's 17th team in 2023". National Rugby League. 12 October 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  14. Emerton, Liam (1 December 2021). "Dolphins swimming with CQ talent". Central Queensland Today. Star News Group. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  15. McKay, Pam (1 December 2021). "CQ Capras secure affiliation with Dolphins, NRL's 17th franchise". The Morning Bulletin. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  16. "Hunters announce strategic pathways partnership with Dolphins". 19 May 2022.
  17. "Day of firsts for Dolphins, Bennett as pre-season begins". 7 November 2022.
  18. "Dolphins v Capras trial team list". 30 January 2023.
  19. https://www.codesports.com.au/nrl/broncos/nrl-trial-matches-brisbane-broncos-v-wynnum-manly-dolphins-v-central-coast-capras/news-story/6bfd737028c672b2f8141bcf8519aeb2
  20. "Experienced line-up set for Cowboys trial". 7 February 2023.
  21. "Cowboys v Dolphins".
  22. https://www.nrl.com/draw/pre-season-trials/2023/round-2/dolphins-v-titans/
  23. McKay, Pam (14 December 2022). "Dolphins to play first game in Central QLD against CQ Capras". The Morning Bulletin. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  24. Kennedy, Euan (1 December 2022). "Dolphins confirm extra trial match in club's first hit out". Zero Tackle. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  25. "The Dolphins 2023 draw snapshot". 9 November 2022.
  26. "Bromwich aims to honour Beetson in Dolphins debut". 18 January 2023.
  27. "NRL 2023 season draw leaked, round 1 games, who will play who, Dolphins debut".
  28. "The Dolphins 2023 draw snapshot". 9 November 2022.
  29. "Years in the planning for Dolphins NRL bid". NRL.com. 13 October 2021.
  30. "Dolphins confirm inaugural mascot after fan vote". Zero Tackle. 18 July 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  31. Brad Walter (27 October 2021). "Dolphins snare Kaufusi in first major signing". National Rugby League.
  32. "Dolphins' home jersey revealed on Grand Final stage". 2 October 2022.
  33. "Dolphins unveil inaugural away jersey". 10 November 2022.
  34. "Redcliffe Dolphins / NRL Club Shop".
  35. "Classic Sportswear Partner with the Dolphins on their NRL Journey". 20 October 2021.
  36. "Adventure Kings named as Dolphins' principal sponsor".
  37. "BlueBet team up with the Dolphins for historic entry to the NRL". 3 May 2022.
  38. "Another big deal for Dolphins".
  39. Development players train with the Top 30 squad but cannot play NRL until after Round 10
  40. Players in the extended squad train with the Top 30 squad but are on train and trial or junior contracts
  41. "Pre-season taking shape with player return dates set". 27 October 2022.
  42. "Dolphins squad ready to meet Members and fans". 28 November 2022.
  43. "The Dolphins 2023 draw snapshot". 9 November 2022.
  44. "Dolphins sign exiting Warriors star Euan Aitken for foundation side". 26 May 2022.
  45. "NRL train and trial list". 5 November 2022.
  46. "Pre-season taking shape with player return dates set". 27 October 2022.
  47. "2022 NRL Signings Tracker: Naden joins Wests Tigers; Sivo extends with Eels". 17 May 2022.
  48. "Storm co-captain signs with rival NRL club". wwos.nine.com.au.
  49. "Kenny Bromwich to join Dolphins in 2023". 3 February 2022 – via www.news.com.au.
  50. "Dolphins open up NRL opportunities for two more". qrl.com.au. 6 May 2022.
  51. "Ese'ese joins Dolphins engine room". 29 September 2022.
  52. "Monster pack builds with Faamausili signing". 17 October 2022.
  53. "Rabbitohs re-sign 'impressive' young gun; Newcastle lock in Broncos half: Transfer Centre". 6 September 2022.
  54. "Dolphins sign North Queensland Cowboys forward Tom Gilbert for 2023 season". wwos.nine.com.au.
  55. "Former Wigan Warriors ace Oliver Gildart on verge of joining NRL club". 27 October 2022.
  56. "NRL 2022: Dolphins, Michael Roberts, Harrison Graham, Valynce Te Whare, 17th team announces young signings for 2023 - NRL". National Rugby League. 16 December 2021.
  57. ""This is next level. It's awesome"".
  58. "Dolphins lure Isaako from Broncos in cross-town switch". National Rugby League. 22 December 2021.
  59. "Dolphins strike to sign Panthers back on long-term deal". www.zerotackle.com. 9 May 2022.
  60. "Dolphins confirm signing of teenage Panthers prodigy Isaiya Katoa on a three-year deal". www.sportingnews.com.
  61. "Dolphins land Origin star as first marquee signing". wwos.nine.com.au.
  62. "Brenko Lee to join cousin as foundation Dolphin". 23 June 2022.
  63. "2022 NRL Signings Tracker: Naden joins Wests Tigers; Sivo extends with Eels". 17 May 2022.
  64. "2022 NRL Signings Tracker: Naden joins Wests Tigers; Sivo extends with Eels". 17 May 2022.
  65. Rothfield, Phil (31 May 2022). "NRL 2022: Dolphins sign Jeremy Marshall-King". Herald Sun.
  66. "Milford set to knock back Knights to join rivals".
  67. Benoiton, Jake (23 January 2022). "OFFICIAL: Rabbitohs release prop as Bennett strikes". Zero Tackle.
  68. "Kodi oming home to be a Dolphin". dolphinsnrl.com. 12 January 2022.
  69. "O'Sullivan joins the Dolphins". www.dolphinsnrl.com.au. 29 June 2022.
  70. "Dolphins sign young Kiwi bopper for 2023". www.zerotackle.com. 30 November 2022.
  71. "From the verge of walking away, Simbiken earns NRL contract". 25 August 2022.
  72. "Eels forward Stone signs with Dolphins". ESPN.com. 6 December 2021.
  73. "Excitement machine The Hammer joins the Dolphins". www.dolphinsnrl.com.au. 5 October 2022.
  74. "Dolphins nab Panthers junior premiership winner for top squad shot". www.dolphinsnrl.com.au. 4 July 2022.
  75. "Winger handed shot at NRL dreams with Dolphins". 28 July 2022.
  76. "Jarrod Wallace signs two-year deal with the Dolphins". Sporting News. 9 June 2022.
  77. "Kayo Stadium officially becomes NRL's newest venue". 7 December 2022.
  78. "Dolphins to join NRL in 2023, with Moreton Daily Stadium to host games". Austadiums. 13 October 2021.
  79. "NRL's newest club the Dolphins invests in Bundaberg Rugby League". ABC. 1 June 2022.
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