NRLQ 21’s season kicks off for Dolphins this Thursday

The next generation of Dolphins are ready to make their mark, with the NRLQ 21’s season kicking off this Thursday night.

The Dolphins will open their campaign ahead of the NRL Premiership clash against the Sea Eagles, with kick-off set for 4:15pm at Kayo Stadium as part of a huge game day double-header. Gates open from 4:00pm, giving fans the chance to get in early and catch the future stars of the club in action.

After a successful inaugural season in 2025, the NRLQ competition returns bigger and better this year.

The four Queensland NRL clubs will once again compete, but the format has expanded into a 12-round series, culminating in a 1v2 Grand Final. There are also plans for the NRLQ premiers to face off against the NSW Jersey Flegg champions, further strengthening the development pathway.

Head of recruitment & Pathways Kurt Richards said the competition plays a crucial role in preparing young players for the next level.

“The NRLQ 21’s series provides an elite competition for players to continue to develop in a professional environment,” Richards said.

“This competition provides an important stepping stone in a player’s development post the Mal Meninga Cup.

“Very few players jump straight into the NRL, and not all are ready for the week-in, week-out physical demands of the Hostplus Cup.

“For those that are struggling a bit in Cup or need to find more game time, we see real benefits in building confidence and developing leadership qualities when having a stint back in their own age group.”

Richards also highlighted the significance of the competition in giving players their first taste of representing their NRL club.

“The NRLQ series is also the first time in Queensland that players get an opportunity to wear their NRL club colours.”

With an earlier start to preparations this year, the Dolphins squad has been building towards Round 1 since mid-November under the guidance of Head Coach and full-time NRL Transition Coach Scott Murray.

The focus has been on creating an environment that mirrors NRL standards and now, after months of preparation, the players are ready to take the field.
“They’re jumping at the bit to go,” Richards said.

Thursday night marks the beginning of another exciting chapter for the Dolphins pathway and a chance for fans to witness the club’s future, before the main stage lights up.