How the Dolphins are shaping up for inaugural season in the NRL

The Dolphins have 21 players in their top 30 squad ahead of their inaugural season in the NRL in 2023, managed by supercoach Wayne Bennett.

Redcliffe are still in their recruitment process, with nine spots in Bennett’s 30-man squad still up for grabs ahead of next season.

The Dolphins have signed a good blend of youth and experience so far. Melbourne trio Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi will make the move over for 2023.

The Queensland-based club have a number of players who are likely to feature in this year’s World Cup – Euan Aitken (Scotland), Jamayne Isaako (Samoa or New Zealand), Anthony Milford (Samoa), Kodi Nikorima (New Zealand), Jeremy Marshall-King (New Zealand) and the Bromwich brothers (New Zealand).

The spine of Bennett’s squad is looking strong. Isaako is likely to play full-back, with Jeremy Marshall-King at hooker. Milford, Nikorima and Sean O’Sullivan are all vying for a starting spot in the halves.

O’SULLIVAN: NRL half-back commits international allegiance to Malta

Half-back Cody Hunter and winger Setu Tu are part of the Dolphins’ extended squad. The club also have four players on development contracts – Jack Bostock, Harrison Graham, Ryan Jackson and Michael Roberts.

How the Dolphins are shaping up for 2023:

Euan Aitken

Jesse Bromwich

Kenny Bromwich

JJ Collins

Tom Gilbert

Jamayne Isaako

Robert Jennings

Isaiya Katoa

Felise Kaufusi

Brenko Lee

Edrick Lee

Connelly Lemuelu

Jeremy Marshall-King

Anthony Milford

Mark Nicholls

Kodi Nikorima

Sean O’Sullivan

Ray Stone

Mason Teague

Valynce Te Whare

Jarrod Wallace

Players in position

Backs: Aitken (CE), Isaako (FB/WG), Jennings (WG), Katoa (HB), B Lee (CE), E Lee (WG), Milford (HB), Nikorima (HB/HK), O’Sullivan (HB), Te Whare (CE).

Forwards: J Bromwich (PR), K Bromwich (SR), Collins (PR), Gilbert (LK/PR/SR), Kaufusi (SR), Lemuelu (SR), Marshall-King (HK), Nicholls (PR), Stone (LK/SR), Teague (LK), Wallace (PR).

Love Rugby League’s predicted Dolphins line-up

Based on the squad so far: Isaako; E Lee, B Lee, Aitken, Jennings; Milford, Nikorima; J Bromwich, Marshall-King, Wallace, K Bromwich, Kaufusi, Gilbert. Subs: O’Sullivan, Collins, Nicholls, Lemuelu.

PODCAST: Alex Walmsley on turning down NRL, World Cup pressure & John Kear influence

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast