The Dolphins have earmarked another player of the future with the signing exciting young front rower Michael Waqa to a new three-year deal.
In the process the 18-year-old Waqa has been upgraded to the Dolphins’ 2023 NRL Development List.
Waqa is a local product who has been playing in the Dolphins’ under-18s team in the Mal Meninga Cup competition.
It comes off the back of experiencing his first NRL pre-season with the Dolphins as a train-and-trial player when the squad first assembled last November.
The three-year deal is expected to see him ascend into the Dolphins’ main squad by season 2025.
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said the club was always looking to nurture local talent.
“Michael did very well in his first-pre-season training with NRL players,” said Reader.
“We have always said one of our visions is to see young local players come through the grades and play NRL with the Dolphins.
“Michael has the opportunity to come right through from the juniors to the NRL and we are excited about what the future holds for him.”
