Dolphins sign two new players but Cameron Munster unlikely says NRL legend
Wayne Bennett will coach the Dolphins in 2023
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has bolstered his roster on Friday with the addition of Queensland-based forwards JJ Collins and Ryan Jackson.
Bennett’s recruitment drive for the 2023 campaign has been slow to say the least. He has missed out on some big names and continues to chase a marquee signing. However he has managed to add Collins and Jackson to his ranks.
Collins does have a bit of NRL experience under his belt. He last played for the Canberra Raiders back in 2019 and has 17 NRL appearances to his name following spells with Wests Tigers and the Newcastle Knights.
Dolphins hand chance to duo
The 26-year-old has more recently been playing with Tweed Heads Seagulls in the QLD Cup. Jackson is an under-18 Maroons squad member and plays as a prop for Queensland Cup feeder club Wynnum-Manly.
“The Dolphins will continue to sign talent from Queensland pathways as we honour our pledge to build a team with a long-term future,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said.
“One of the key outcomes of adding the Dolphins to the NRL was to provide more opportunities for local Queensland-based players to compete at the highest level.
“JJ Collins and Ryan Jackson will now get that chance with the Dolphins when our first pre-season training sessions start in November.”
Meanwhile Cameron Munster remains a top target for the Dolphins. However NRL legend Andrew Johns believes the playmaker will stay with the Melbourne Storm.
Munster is at the top of his game and has more to come. Johns thinks that the Queensland State of Origin ace would prefer to spend his best years challenging for premierships. And does not think that will happen at Redcliffe.
“Munster has gone beyond superstar status, (he’s) the best player in the game,” Johns told Immortal Behaviour. “Does he want to go at this stage of his career where his next four or five years are going to be his best?
“Does he want to go to a club that’s going to struggle? I don’t know when he’s going to make a decision. He’s still contracted to the Storm for next year. I don’t think he’s going anywhere.”
Broncos interest
One other potential option for Munster could be the Brisbane Broncos. They are on the up under the leadership of Kevin Walters this season. That was on show with a 32-12 win over the Rabbitohs on Thursday night.
Munster is under contract with the Storm until the end of 2023. However he can agree a deal elsewhere for 2024 from 1st November this year. That’s if he decides against re-signing with Melbourne.