Dolphins sign off-contract half-back from Penrith Panthers for 2023
Dolphins continue to build their squad for their inaugural season in the NRL with the signing of Sean O’Sullivan from 2023 on a three-year deal.
The 23-year-old will join from Penrith Panthers, who he signed in 2022 on a one-year deal. O’Sullivan made his NRL debut with Sydney Roosters in 2018, before linking up with Brisbane Broncos for three seasons.
The half-back then joined New Zealand Warriors in 2021 before returning to Penrith, where he captained a Penrith SG Ball side featuring the likes of Brian To’o and Mitch Kenny to the premiership and national title in 2016.
He has made 25 appearances in the NRL, scoring three tries. He has made just four appearances this year, with competition from Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai in the halves.
However, he will get a shot at being first-choice half-back for the Dolphins in 2023. He will reunite with head coach Wayne Bennett, who coached him in 2018. However, the former England boss left the club before the half had a chance to play the game.
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Dolphins to give Sean O’Sullivan his first-team chance
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said O’Sullivan would get the chance to make one of the club’s halves positions his own.
“We are very excited to be bringing Sean to the Dolphins,” said Reader.
“He showed last year with the Warriors that he was a quality playmaker, and he has backed that up with his performances for the Panthers this year.
“Our coach Wayne Bennett is especially pleased to finally be able to coach one that got away from him.
“He recruited Sean to a contract with the Broncos before he moved to the Rabbitohs, and now he will get to work with him in a new team.
“Sean fills a major need on our roster and we look forward to seeing what he can do in the Dolphins’ colours.”
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