Inaugural Dolphins forward Lemuelu locked in until 2027

A foundation Dolphin has extended with ‘The Phins’ after international forward Connelly Lemuelu re-committed to the club.

Lemuelu joined the Dolphins as part of the club’s inaugural squad in 2023 and has now added another year to his contract, extending his stay through to at least the end of the 2027 NRL season.

Lemuelu has already cemented a place in club history, scoring the try that put the Dolphins ahead for the very first time in their inaugural 28-18 victory over the Roosters in the club’s foundation year.

Since then, the 27-year-old has built a reputation as a powerful and reliable edge forward, delivering consistent performances in the NRL. 

Now with 61 appearances in Dolphins’ colours, Lemuelu’s strike in attack has been evident, including a career-best nine tries during the 2025 season. 

His impact on the edge has been a key feature of the club’s growth, cementing his status as one of the Dolphins’ most damaging back rowers. 

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said Lemuelu’s extension reflected his importance in the club’s future direction. 

“Connelly’s performances have improved every year and that is just one of the reasons we were so keen to extend his contract,” said Reader. 

“He is a dangerous player on the edge for us and with 85 NRL matches to his name now, we believe his best football is just ahead of him. 

“We are excited about what Connelly can continue to add to our pack this upcoming season and with so many of our injured forwards returning, members and fans have real reasons to be excited about our 2026 NRL campaign.” 

Connelly will take his place in a forwards roster that is slated to include the return from long-term injuries of captain Tom Gilbert, Origin-experienced props Thomas Flegler and Daniel Saifiti as well as Max Plath. 

The Dolphins have also added English Test lock Morgan Knowles, as well as Selwyn Cobbo from the Broncos and Penrith utility Brad Schneider. 

Lemuelu made his NRL debut with the Cowboys in 2020, playing 24 games over the next three seasons before moving to the Dolphins. 

A product of the famed Gold Coast rugby league nursery of Keebra Park High, he has now scored 19 tries for the Dolphins and has also represented Samoa in a Test match.