Dolphins 2024 season review
Overview
It was a case of so near yet so far for the Dolphins in 2024. After an impressive debut year in 2023, they had a great crack at finals footy in 2024, and but for a loss in round 27, they would’ve been gracing the top eight for the first time.
As was the case in 2023, it was their early season form which propelled them towards the finals before they tailed off. Seven wins from their opening 10 games put them comfortably inside the eight, but a run of three wins from 12 between rounds 12 and 24 saw them clinging on to their spot.
Still, an impressive 40-6 win over local rivals, Brisbane Broncos, set up a winner-take all clash in round 27 against the Knights. Sadly, a 14-6 loss in Newcastle left them still searching for a first finals appearance, but it was a hell of an effort.
Highs
The 40-6 win over the Broncos in round 26 was their first ever win over their local rivals, and it also knocked them out of finals contention.
In a year of firsts, they also picked up their maiden nilling in round two, when they smashed the Dragons, 38-0. Their 28-30 win against the Sharks in round 15 was also their first ever win in Sydney.
As for individuals, Trai Fuller emerged from nowhere to become a fan favourite at full-back, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s 15 tries in 16 games went a long way towards pushing them up the ladder.
Jack Bostock was another breakout star, as the young winger crossed for 14 tries, while Jamayne Isaako finished second in the point-scoring charts for the whole NRL.
Lows
The Dolphins will be gutted they let the opportunity to play finals slip away from them. After 26 rounds, they had their destiny in their hands and that will surely sting.
They also lost one of their new signings, Tom Flegler, after just four rounds and there were even rumours he would have to retire.
The Dolphins also lost Trai Fuller to an ACL injury he suffered in reserve grade a week after the NRL season finished, so he’ll miss most of 2025, if not all of it.
Reasons to be positive in 2025
The Dolphins made great strides again in 2024, and if they continue on this trajectory they’ll be in the finals in the next year or two.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is a great pick-up from the Cowboys, while the likes of Isaiya Katoa and Jack Bostock are still 21 or under, and they’ll continue to improve with age and experience.
The loss of master coach, Wayne Bennett, is a blow, but it’s been known for a while and there’s no doubt Kristian Woolf will be fully primed and ready, given that he’s had two years as assistant coach to prepare. And whilst it may be his first NRL head coach role, Woolf has plenty of experience elsewhere. He led St Helens to three straight Super League titles and he also led Tonga to a World Cup semi-final in 2017, so the Dolphins will be in safe hands next season.
My 2024 prediction – 15th
Final 2024 position – 10th (+5)
I’ll admit, I seriously underestimated the Dolphins ahead of 2024. Although a finals place ultimately eluded them, they came within a whisker and they’re further along the road than could be expected from a new side. 2025 should be another exciting one for them.
