The Dolphins have etched their name in history, going undefeated in the inaugural NRLQ Series, a new competition designed to strengthen Queensland’s elite development pathways.
In partnership with the NRL and Queensland’s four NRL clubs, the Queensland Rugby League launched the NRLQ Series this year as a home-and-away, round-robin tournament contested by Under 20s teams from the Dolphins, Broncos, Titans and Cowboys.
Created to bridge the gap after the QRL’s junior representative season, including the Mal Meninga Cup Under 19s, the series offers ongoing development opportunities.
Dolphins NRLQ Series head coach Scott Murray said the competition filled a vital hole in the player pathway.
"After the 19s competition finished, some of the top players stepped up into Cup, but for others there wasn’t a competition to keep playing in," Murray explained.
"The NRL, QRL and clubs identified that gap and put this series together. It gives players more footy after their rep season and, for some 20-year-olds, a crucial opportunity."
While the inaugural season ran for just six rounds, Murray believes it has laid the foundation for bigger things.
"They can certainly build on the success of this competition. NSW have been running this sort of pathway for years, and I think Queensland can extend it to give 20- and 21-year-olds more opportunities."
The Dolphins’ campaign was a mix of blistering starts and gritty finishes, from high-tempo openings at Kayo Stadium to a hard-fought victory over the Broncos in the final round.
"Some games we started well. In others, like the last one against the Broncos, we had to grind it out under real adversity, which was pleasing in a different way," Murray said.
Despite the perfect record, Murray stressed that results were never the sole focus.
"It wasn’t necessarily about the scoreboard. It was about effort, defence, and setting standards. If you look at our for-and-against, our defensive mindset was a big part of our success."
We also wanted players used to training at a level that will help them step into the NRL without it being such a shock."
For Murray, going unbeaten is a proud milestone, but the real win is proving the Dolphins’ pathway can take talented players all the way.
"The boys worked really hard for what they got, so it’s terrific for them to get that recognition," he said.
The NRLQ Series may be in its first year, but with the Dolphins setting the benchmark on and off the field, its role in shaping Queensland’s future rugby league stars is only just beginning.
