Dolphins: 13 stars off-contract at end of 2022 who could join Bennett’s side

The NRL will welcome its newest club Dolphins into the competition in 2023, so we’ve taken a look at 13 off-contract players who could make the switch to Redcliffe.

Off-contract players the Dolphins could sign for 2023:

Kalyn Ponga

The 24-year-old superstar full-back does have a player option at the end of 2022, so it gives him the choice whether he stays on at Newcastle or not. The Dolphins certainly offer another alternative with the electric number one a Queensland representative and the opportunity to work alongside legendary coach Wayne Bennett could bring a whole new level to his game.

Angus Crichton

The 25-year-old is one of the best all-round second-rowers in the league, starring for both Sydney and New South Wales in recent years. The Roosters star would also bring with him winning mentality after being a key part of the side that claimed the 2019 title as well as featuring for the Blues in their State of Origin series wins over the Maroons in 2019 and 2021.

Herbie Farnworth

The Broncos centre’s stock is certainly on the rise as he is fresh off another impressive season in the Brisbane backline. Also, with the prospect of an England World Cup call-up, the Dolphins could have a rising star on their hands.

Keenan Palasia

Another bright young talent to come out of Brisbane who has proven to be a consistent and reliable workhorse when on the field for the Broncos. However, the 24-year-old’s career has unfortunately been hampered by a plethora of injuries throughout his young career but after making his return from injury in 2021 he will now look to have a healthy 2022 and a breakout year.

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Corey Horsburgh

There is no question that injuries have not be kind in recent times to the Raiders second-rower but his passion and enthusiasm whenever he is on the pitch is always clear to see. The 24-year-old is also a Queensland native and if you want a sense of just the kind of player he is you just need to look at his battle with Sam Burgess back in 2019.

Jarrod Wallace

The 30-year-old may have fallen out of favour at the Titans with the arrivals of David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui but he is still offers plenty of experience with over 170 games under his belt for both Brisbane and Gold Coast. The veteran back-rower is also another former Maroons representative who Bennett may favour.

Josh McGuire

The St George Illawarra enforcer has established himself as one of the toughest and most intense players in the NRL since his debut in 2009. The 31-year-old also brings with him a wealth of experience with 244 NRL appearances. He has been a part of three State of Origin series wins with Queensland and a World Cup win with Australia in 2017. He has also represented Samoa on the international stage.

Siosiua Taukeiaho

The Roosters prop will certainly spark plenty of interest with his consistent goal-kicking ability obviously an uncharacteristic but highly valuable trait for someone at his position. The 30-year-old has been an effective performer for the Roosters, showing great work rate both as a ball carrier and a defender. But with the rise of Lindsay Collins and the arrival of Renouf Atoni, Taukeiaho could be set to leave at the end of the year with Redcliffe a possible destination.

Ryan Matterson

A fully fit and focused Matterson would be a great pick up for the Dolphins. A potential Dolphins second-row of Matterson and Kaufusi could work wonders for the new side with both players capable of tireless defensive work rate and a killer offload.

Kieran Foran

After a selection of injuries and a torrid time at Canterbury, Foran reinvigorated his career with a return to Manly last year. The 31-year-old was one of the Sea Eagles’ under the radar success stories in 2021. He could prove to be a valuable pick up in the halves for the Dolphins with his smart game management, ball playing and overall experience big positives.

Chanel Harris-Tavita

Another possible pick up in the halves for the Dolphins. Harris-Tavita is possibly moving on from the Warriors at the end of 2022. At 22, the youngster presents more of a long-term option. Even at such a tender age he presents plenty of raw potential after already developing a reputation as a solid goal-kicker, creative ball player and a hard hitter in defence.

Martin Taupau

The destructive and powerful prop forward looks set for a move away from Manly at the end of 2022. He could be another big acquisition for the Dolphins forward pack. The 31-year-old has proven to be a leader in the Sea Eagles’ front-row. With his ability to rack up the metres he will add some extra punch to any forward pack.

Corey Oates

It was a poor 2021 for Oates after finding first team opportunities hard to come by. He only scored four tries in 14 appearances for Brisbane. But his form in last season’s Queensland Cup showed exactly what kind of player he can still be with four tries in six games for the South Logan Magpies. At 27, the former Queensland representative is still in the prime of his career. A move away could revitalise his career.

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