The Dolphins are proving their influence goes far beyond the field through 'PhinsUp 4 Learning', a community program that puts players directly into classrooms to mentor and inspire the next generation.
Partnering with Deception Bay North State School, the initiative sees young Dolphins players working alongside teachers to help with literacy and numeracy lessons, joining playground games to model positive communication and leading small group activities that build respect, confidence and problem-solving skills.
Principal Lindy Lou Brown said the difference has been remarkable.
"We had so many of our young boys struggling to attend regularly, engage in learning and make positive behaviour choices.
"We tapped into their passion for rugby league, bringing in mentors who share that passion, and it's worked incredibly well."
Principal Brown said attendance had risen, behaviour incidents had dropped significantly and more students were staying in class to complete their work.
Young Dolphins Callum Bowles, Seth Carpenter, Eli McKay, Jac Finigan and Mereki Warradoo are all balancing their new mentoring roles after recently competing in the NRLQ competition and say they’re enjoying the chance to give back to the community.
What began as a behaviour-focused initiative has evolved into something much greater.
"I thought it would be about reducing suspensions, but it’s really about engagement, a sense of worth and giving these kids a reason and a target to aim high so they can have a life full of choices," Principal Brown added.
The program was developed by Bryan Simpson, Head of Student Engagement at Deception Bay North State School, in consultation with Dolphins Game Development Manager Shane Morris. By placing positive role models into the school environment, 'PhinsUp 4 Learning' is building resilience, self-belief and stronger relationships, benefits felt by both the students and the players who are giving back to their community.
The early signs are clear: this is more than just a school program; it’s a pathway to lasting change, ambition and pride.
Phins Up 4 Learning
