The Dolphins’ 2026 Top 30 is shaping as one of the most competitive squads the club has assembled, stacked with depth, versatility and genuine NRL-quality talent across every position.
With 28 players locked in, two roster spots still available and returning stars pushing back from injury, selection pressure is everywhere. Pre-season spots are up for grabs, combinations are wide open and nothing will be handed out.
Across the park, the squad blends international experience, breakout young talent and proven performers, setting the scene for a pre-season where standards rise and competition drives performance.
Halves & Hooker
The Dolphins’ playmaking group combines leadership and composure.
Kodi Nikorima (2026) – 222 NRL appearances
A calming organiser and one of the most experienced voices in the squad, bringing control and clarity to the spine.
Isaiya Katoa (2028) – 68 NRL appearances
The Dolphins 2025 Best Back, continues his rapid rise after captaining the side in 2025 and representing Tonga at the Pacific Championships.
Brad Schneider (2026) – 44 NRL appearances
A new addition for 2026, adding depth and competition in the halves.
Jeremy Marshall-King (2028) – 151 NRL appearances
Dolphin's hooker with powerful attack, provides speed, toughness and leadership through the middle.
Backs
The Dolphins boast a backline stacked with proven internationals, representative stars and high-ceiling young talent.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2027) – 107 NRL appearances
An Origin player and the club’s leading try-scorer in 2025 (22 tries), continuing to electrify from fullback.
Herbie Farnworth (2027) – 118 NRL appearances
Reigning Player of the Year for the Dolphin's in 2025, crossing for 12 tries in 19 games and representing England in the Ashes. Playing in the position of centre.
Jack Bostock (2027) – 40 NRL appearances
The winger set for a Round 10 return from an ACL injury after an explosive start to the 2025 season.
Jake Averillo (2026) – 125 NRL appearances
Averillo played at centre in 2025 and is a versatile and reliable option across the backline, finishing 2025 with 11 tries.
Jamayne Isaako (2026) – 160 NRL appearances
The winger is the club’s all-time leading point-scorer for 2025, coming off another strong representative campaign with the Kiwis.
Kurt Donoghoe (2027) – 40 NRL appearances
The Dolphins’ Best Forward and Most Consistent Player in 2025, offering rare versatility across the spine, back five and middle. Donoghoe is the perfect utility player.
LJ Nonu (2027) – 0 NRL appearances
A rising winger continuing his development within the system.
Selwyn Cobbo (2026) – 83 NRL appearances
A major addition for 2026, capable of impacting at centre, wing or fullback.
Tevita Naufahu (2027) – 7 NRL appearances
The club’s Rookie of the Year, bringing energy and strike on the wing.
Trai Fuller (2026) – 16 NRL appearances
A dynamic fullback who also impressed on the international stage, scoring four tries for Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII on the wing.
Forwards
Depth through the middle and on the edges may be the Dolphins’ biggest weapon in 2026, with Origin-calibre forwards, international representatives and key reinforcements returning from injury.
Elijah Rasmussen (2027) – 0 NRL appearances
A powerful young winger with enormous upside, ready to push for opportunity.
Connelly Lemuelu (2027) – 85 NRL appearances
A consistent edge forward.
Daniel Saifiti (2027) – 191 NRL appearances
A marquee prop returning from injury, bringing size, power and Origin-level impact.
Felise Kaufusi (2027) – 223 NRL appearances
Veteran leadership and premiership-winning steel.
Francis Molo (2026) – 154 NRL appearances
A powerful middle forward who represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (2027) – 57 NRL appearances
An explosive edge forward, part of the Queensland Origin squad and a Pacific Championships representative for Tonga.
Max Plath (2027) – 31 NRL appearances
Returning from an ACL injury, a high-effort utility.
Oryn Keeley (2026) – 24 NRL appearances
An energetic and aggressive young forward who cemented himself at the NRL level.
Ray Stone (2026) – 92 NRL appearances
Intensity personified, offering punch and versatility through the middle.
Sebastian Su’a – 1 NRL appearance for the Knights
A developing forward building momentum within the system.
Thomas Flegler (2027) – 100 NRL appearances
Set to return from injury, adding serious strike power to the middle rotation.
Tom Gilbert (2028) – 68 NRL appearances
An Origin forward returning from a long rehab, primed to make an immediate impact.
Morgan Knowles (2027) – 247 Super League appearances
An experienced international forward beginning his NRL chapter in 2026 at the Dolphins
Brian Pouniu – 0 NRL appearances
A promising young middle continuing to develop within the squad.
