NRL news: Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins sign Rabbitohs fan favourite

The Dolphins, the NRL’s newest club, have signed South Sydney Rabbitohs fan favourite Mark Nicholls from the 2023 on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old prop will reunite with former Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins for their inaugural season in 2023.

Nicholls has made 110 NRL appearances for Canberra Raiders, Melbourne Storm and the Rabbitohs

Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said: “Mark is a hard-working, no-nonsense type of forward that will fit straight into the Dolphins squad.

“He has had some real big-match experience with the Rabbitohs in the last few years, including playing in three straight preliminary finals as well as the most recent NRL Grand Final.

“We see him as someone who will not only add depth and experience to our squad, but a presence who will set an example for younger players on the value of hard work and persistence in the NRL.”

WORLD CUP: 13 NRL players to look out for in this year’s Rugby League World Cup

Dolphins make another huge signing in Kiwi powerhouse

The Dolphins have announced the superstar signing of New Zealand powerhouse Jesse Bromwich from Melbourne Storm from the 2023 season.

The 32-year-old prop has made 272 appearances in a 12-year career with the Storm. He has won three NRL Premierships with Melbourne as well as two World Club Challenge titles.

Bromwich, the 2016 Dally M Prop of the Year, has won 29 caps for his native New Zealand. He helped the Kiwis reach the World Cup final back in 2013.

Wayne Bennett said: “I’m so pleased we could get a player of his standing in the game.

“He is probably the player we’ve been looking for in that category. I couldn’t be happier.

“I love everything that he does and the way he brings it; and he’d done it for a long period of time now.

“He is towards the end of his career but we need people like him and I’m elated that he’s coming here.

“I know what he’ll bring. The way we start is everything. You can’t start badly and pick it up in six months time. You need to start properly and do everything right and he’ll enhance all that. He’ll bring that mindset with him as well and it’ll rub off on the other players and the club.

“Between myself, him and a few other senior players we can drive the standard of the culture here that will set the tone for the future.”

READ MORE: Kevin Naiqama relishing NRL return