Home Ground: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Coach: Kristian Woolf

TAB Odds: Premiers $41

The FIN'S will be without the master coach WAYNE BENNETT since their introduction to the comp, and a lot will now rest on the shoulders of KRISTAN WOOLF. The Dolphins fell agonisingly short of playing in their maiden finals campaign last year when they lost to Newcastle in the last game of the regular season. The defeat marked a disappointing end to Wayne Bennett's two years in charge of the burgeoning franchise, with Kristian Woolf now in a position to cast his own style on the team.The new coach may face a challenging start if the Dolphins do not begin strongly, though the latter part of the season may present even greater difficulties.

DANIEL SAIFITI brings more experience to the forward pack, while young back-rower KULIKEFU FINEFAUAIKI will add an X-factor off the bench. TOM FLEGLER and TOM GILBERT are both expected back from injuries in a huge boost. With JESSE BROMWICH retiring last year the captaincy will likely be passed to GILBERT. He appears the hot favourite in a long-term sense but he has not played an NRL game since May 2023 due to a shoulder injury, before doing his ACL in last season's trial.

The backline looks set to remain unchanged, with JAMAYNE ISAAKO and Dally M Rookie of the Year JACK BOSTOCK lining up on the wings. JAKE AVERILLIO and HERBIE FARMWORTH constitute a formidable centre pairing, with Averillio anticipated to face increased competition from new recruits JUNIOR TUPOU and MAX FEAGAI.

KODI NIKORIMA and the talented ISAIYA KATOA are slated to start at halfback, with Sean O'Sullivan serving as backup.

TOM FLEGLER will not be available for selection due to his ongoing injury. The starting forward's return is not anticipated until the mid-season point; therefore, FELISE KAUFUSI will likely assume the prop position. JEREMY MARSHALL-KING will return to his dummy-half position following his recovery from a knee injury that prevented his participation in the Pacific Championships.

KULIKEFU FINEFAUAIKI will likely take Euan Aitken's spot in the backrow after being signed from North Queensland, with CONNELLY LEMUELU also vying for the starting berth as he returns from a shoulder issue. Tough ask, but a fair side and they will cause a few upsets along the way.

First five: Rabbitohs (H), Knights (A), Tigers (H), Broncos (H), Titans (A)

Last year's finish: 10th

Predicted 2025 finish: 8th

PREDICTED STARTING SIDE

1. HAMISO TABUAI-FIDOW

2. JACK BOSTOCK

3. JAKE AVERILLIO

4. HERBIE FARNWORTH

5. JAMAYNE ISAAKO

6. KODI NIKORIMA

7. ISAIYA KATOA

8. DANIEL SAIFITI

9. JEREMY MARSHALL-KING

10. TOM FLEGLER

11. CONNELLY LEMUELU

12. FELISE KAUFUSI

13. TOM GILBERT

14. RAY STONE

15. KENNY BROMWICH

16. MARK NICHOLLS

17. KULIKEFU FINEFAUAIKI

PRE SEASON: Fri 14 Feb

Cowboys v Dolphins at Barlow Park, Cairns 8:00pm

Sat 22 Feb

Dolphins v Titans at Kayo Stadium 7:30pm