Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins make treble signing

The Dolphins, the NRL’s newest club, have made three new signings ahead of the 2023 season.

Wayne Bennett’s side have signed Michael Roberts, Harrison Graham and Valynce Te Whare ahead of their inaugural campaign.

Half-back Roberts is an Australian Schoolboys representative and is the youngster brother of Wests Tigers star James Roberts. He is also the nephew of former Wigan speedster Amos Roberts.

Hooker Graham has represented Queensland at Under-18s level and played for the Wynnum Seagulls in 2021. Roberts and Graham will be on development contracts with the Dolphins.

New Zealand rugby union player Te Whare will join the club’s senior squad. He has been playing for Waikato since making his first team debut in New Zealand’s provincial rugby union championship.

Dolphins boss looking to the future

Club chief executive Terry Reader said: “Since the Dolphins’ recruitment team first came together to discuss players, we have always been of the view that squad members 21 to 30 are just as important as players one to 10.

“These three young players have been recruited from different backgrounds and different competitions – this underlines that we are doing extensive recruitment to build a balanced and talented roster for our entry to the 2023 NRL competition.

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“It also adds to the work we are already doing with junior development to ensure the future of the Dolphins, including a junior Dolphins NRL academy camp we held this week.

“That group of young players will always hold a place in history as attendees at the first ever Junior Dolphins’ NRL training camp.”

The Dolphins have already confirmed the signings of Felise Kaufusi and Ray Stone. Kaufusi has represented Australia and Tonga at international level and has made more than 150 appearances for Melbourne Storm. Stone has played 28 games for the Eels so far.

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