The middle rotation that could define the season.
The Dolphins’ middle unit for 2026 is overflowing with power, personality and genuine selection headaches. This isn’t just depth it’s elite competition at every spot, with no easy answers and no passengers.
Daniel Saifiti and Thomas Flegler shape as walk-up starters when fully fit. Saifiti’s power game and post-contact metres, paired with Flegler’s aggression and line speed, create an intimidating opening rotation few teams can match. It’s a one-two punch capable of setting the tone from the opening set each week.
But the puzzle doesn’t end there.
Because then you ask: what do you do with Frank?
Frank Molo was consistent, tough and reliable throughout 2025. A genuine rock through the middle. He’s exactly the type of forward coaches trust and exactly the type who applies real pressure for a starting role when standards are high.
Tom Gilbert adds another layer again. Back training fully after overcoming injury, Gilbert brings leadership, line speed and defensive bite through the front row and middle rotation. When fit, his intensity raises the standards across the pack, and his ability to handle heavy minutes makes him a genuine option wherever the side needs strength.
Then there’s the lock role.
Kurt Donoghoe had a breakout season, earning Best Forward and Most Consistent Player in 2025, before starring in the Pacific Championships. His work-rate and motor through the middle make him a natural fit at 13.
Max Plath, the 2024 Forward of the Year, isn’t handing that jersey over lightly. He was enormous before his ACL injury and is tracking toward a Round 4 return. His defence, ball-playing and toughness make him one of the safest and smartest middle forwards in the competition, whether wearing 13 or rotating through the engine room.
Add in Morgan Knowles, fresh off being named the 2025 players’ player of the season in England. He arrives with elite professionalism, aggression and experience through the middle third. Knowles brings relentless effort and an edge that translates seamlessly to NRL football. He could push for a starting role or become one of the most valuable bench middles in the competition.
And the depth doesn’t stop there.
Ray Stone is the definition of a players’ player. Tough, selfless and fearless, the middle lifts when he’s on the field. His versatility and willingness to do the hard work ensure he’s always in the conversation.
Felise Kaufusi brings size and power on both sides of the ball, while Elijah Rasmussen continues to develop as a genuine middle option, offering physicality and competition at training that sharpens those around him.
Sebastian Su’a is also pushing hard for opportunities, applying pressure on the fringe of the rotation and making it clear that minutes will need to be earned. Every one of these forwards makes the pack better and every one expects to be in the conversation.
This isn’t just a middle rotation.
It’s a selection war.
The Dolphins have built a forward unit with the perfect blend of aggression, work ethic, experience and youth. Whoever wins these middle spots will be tested, challenged and sharpened by the talent around them and that’s exactly how great sides are built.
Now over to you
Who starts in the middle for 2026?
