Max Plath will make his long-awaited return to football this weekend, stepping back onto the field after recovering from the ACL injury he sustained in Round 14 of the 2025 NRL season.
In a major step forward in his rehabilitation, Plath is returning three weeks ahead of schedule and will run out for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup this Sunday.
The return marks an important milestone for the Dolphins forward, who has spent the past several months working through rehabilitation before recently returning to training with the NRL squad as he continues to rebuild match fitness.
“I’m coming back three weeks early,” Plath said.
“I’m quite nervous but excited to be back out playing again.”
Before becoming a key figure in the Dolphins’ NRL side, Plath last featured for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup during the 2023 season. This weekend’s appearance marks a return to where his senior journey with the club began as he works his way back towards full fitness.
Sunday’s game will also carry special significance for the Plath family, with Max set to run out alongside his brother Jordan for the first time.
The moment has been years in the making for the pair, who grew up playing backyard footy together but have never previously played in the same team.
The brothers have already shared a proud milestone at the club. In 2025, Max presented Jordan with his Redcliffe Dolphins jersey ahead of his club debut.
Now, they will take the field together for the first time.
Jordan said the chance to share the field with his brother is something they had always dreamed about growing up.
“Feels unreal honestly, it’s something we’ve both dreamt about since we were young kids playing footy in the backyard,” Jordan said.
“12 months ago whilst living in Sydney I never really thought it would be possible and thought it might be something that would happen later in our careers at a local A-grade club. But here we are ready to run out together Sunday.”
Despite their close connection, the brothers have never previously played or even trained together on the field.
“Never before,” Jordan said.
“He’s played a few games with our eldest brother Zac when he used to play but we’ve never even trained with each other. The session I did during pre-season with the NRL squad he was in rehab so we didn’t get to do it then.
“So it will be a first of many this week.”
Jordan also believes the opportunity to play alongside his brother will naturally push both players to elevate their games.
“I think it does for sure,” he said.
“I don’t want him to show me up and I’m 100% sure it’s not in his best interest to be outdone by the younger sibling.”
Beyond the sibling rivalry, the occasion will be one the entire family will cherish.
“But all in all it’s going to be a super special moment and something that our family is going to cherish,” Jordan said.
“Playing together in front of our Pop and Dad is something that will last with us forever. Wouldn’t want to do it at any other club.
“Not only a special day for us but a day dedicated to Jacek and the Maclaurin Family, it’s going to be special.”
For Max, the return to the field and the opportunity to line up alongside his brother adds another layer to what will already be a meaningful comeback.
“I’ve never played alongside Jordan before so it will be great to get the opportunity,” Plath said.
With his rehabilitation progressing strongly and his return to training building confidence, Sunday’s Queensland Cup clash will mark an important step in Plath’s return and a memorable family moment years in the making.
