The Dolphins’ future is in good hands and the club’s 2026 Development is pushing for NRL opportunities.
The list includes emerging stars who have impressed through the junior pathways, representative honours and a strong pre-season block, this group represents the next generation of Dolphins football.
Zac Garton: Edge Back Row
Garton’s Dolphins journey began in Under 6s at Redcliffe before his family relocated to the Sunshine Coast, but the club connection never faded. He was part of the Dolphins’ inaugural NRL Academy group in 2022 before the club had even entered the NRL and quickly emerged as one of the most promising forwards in the system. A member of Redcliffe’s Mal Meninga premiership teams, Garton went on to earn Australian Schoolboys honours in 2024 and represent Queensland in Under-19 State of Origin in both 2024 and 2025. A powerful edge forward with size, footwork and representative pedigree, he continues to track toward an NRL future.
Charlie Dickson: Lock
Dickson is another product of the Dolphins’ inaugural 2022 Academy intake and has only continued to grow since. A proud Moreton Bay Raiders junior, he is a two times Cyril Connell Cup winner with the Redcliffe Dolphins, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable middle forward with strong work ethic and consistency. Dickson elevated again in 2024 when he represented Queensland Schoolboys, showcasing his physicality and defensive control in the middle of the field.
Lewis Symonds: Lock / Front Row
Symonds joined the Dolphins from Marsden SHS and immediately stamped himself as a young forward with leadership potential. He played a key role in Redcliffe’s 2023 Mal Meninga premiership and earned Queensland Under-19 selection in 2024. In 2025, he captained the Dolphins’ undefeated Under 20s team in the NRLQ Series, a milestone achievement that highlighted his leadership, toughness and maturity. With the ability to play lock or front row, Symonds is one of the most versatile and disciplined young middles coming through the system.
John Fineanganofo: Hooker
A Redcliffe junior with New Zealand roots, Fineanganofo attended Redcliffe SHS and quickly became a standout in the Dolphins pathway. He played a vital role in the 2023 Redcliffe Mal Meninga Premiership-winning team and went on to earn both Queensland and Australian Schoolboys selection in the same season; a rare double. With sharp service, strong running instincts, and natural game awareness, Fineanganofo is developing into a dynamic young hooker with significant long-term upside.
Patrick Kailahi: Front Row
Kailahi signed with the Dolphins in 2022 after arriving from Hamilton, NZ and has steadily built his reputation as one of the most promising young props in the system. After suffering an ACL injury during the 2024 Mal Meninga Finals, he worked his way back to play a leading role in the front row during the Dolphins’ Under-20 NRLQ Series campaign in 2025. His power, resilience and ability to anchor the middle third make him an exciting middle forward to watch.
Collectively, this development list represents one of the strongest talent groups the Dolphins have assembled since entering the NRL. They bring a balanced mix of elite junior representative experience, premiership success and versatility; all anchored by a shared commitment to work hard and grow inside the Dolphins system.
