Dolphins rise to grand final berth in just their fourth season
The Dolphins reach a preliminary final in their fourth season, three years after shocking the Roosters in their debut game.
The Dolphins' NRL journey began with an upset: as a brand-new team in 2023, they beat heavy-favourite Roosters on debut. Most expected them to struggle for years.
The Dolphins missed finals only in 2024 and 2025 before jumping to fourth this season. Wayne Bennett's coaching and recruitment guru Peter O'Sullivan built the squad on tough culture rather than star names.
Veterans like Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Mark Nicholls set daily standards. Young halves Isaiya Katoa, signed as an unknown 18-year-old from lower grades, developed into one of the NRL's best.
They now meet the Roosters again in this Friday's preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium.
- Fourth season in 2026
- Dolphins seasons
- 13th place in 2023
- Initial finish
- 2024 and 2025
- Years missed finals
Why it mattersThe Dolphins show that a new club can compete at the highest level through patience, strong culture, and smart recruitment rather than chasing big names.
AustraliaA Gold Coast team reaching the grand final in their fourth season would be the fastest expansion team rise since 2005's Penrith, raising the standard for future NRL clubs.
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