New NRL club Dolphins make second signing

The Dolphins, the NRL’s newest club, have landed their second major signing for 2023.

Wayne Bennett’s side have signed forward Ray Stone from Parramatta Eels. The 24-year-old utility forward has made 28 NRL appearances for the Eels since his first team debut in 2018.

Stone has represented the Junior Kangaroos and New South Wales Under-20s.

Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said: “We need to build some depth to the squad we will ultimately enter the competition with, and Ray is just the type of player we are looking for.

“He is one of the most feared defenders in the NRL and when we sat down to talk about recruitment, Ray Stone was one of the first players that Wayne Bennett spoke about.

“Ray has gained some good NRL experience with the Eels and also covers the hooker position.”

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Dolphins make statement of intent with first signing

Dolphins, the NRL’s newest club, have pulled off a major coup with their first recruit in the shape of Australia and Tonga international Felise Kaufusi.

Wayne Bennett’s side have have signed international test forward Kaufusi from Melbourne Storm on a three-year deal from 2023.

The 29-year-old will complete his eighth and final season with the Storm in 2022 before joining the Dolphins.

Kaufusi has won four caps for Australia and three for Tonga. He has played 12 times for Queensland in the State of Origin arena. He has made 152 NRL appearances, all of whom are for Melbourne.

Bennett said: “I’ve got a lot of respect for him and watched him play a lot of football.

“He’s a great professional. There’s not a lot of work [to put in] for him to play well, he’s just got that attitude.

“He’s come out of a great system in Melbourne, they produce a lot of good players and good results.

“That’s the type of person you want at clubs and in leadership groups.”

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