The Dolphins have farewelled one of the game’s most respected front-rowers, with Daniel Saifiti today announcing his medical retirement from the NRL.
Saifiti joined the Dolphins ahead of the 2025 season following a decorated career with the Newcastle Knights, where he established himself as a powerful and consistent presence in the middle.
After debuting in 2016 he played 191 NRL games, crossing for 21 tries and earning a reputation as a tough, hard-working forward who led from the front.
He represented NSW in seven Origin games and played three Tests for Fiji.
His time at the Dolphins was cut short after suffering a serious shoulder injury in Round 8 of the 2025 season against the Canberra Raiders, coming as he powered over for a try.
Despite undergoing surgery and committing to an extensive rehabilitation process, the injury has not recovered to the level required to continue playing, leading to the difficult decision to medically retire.
While his time on the field in Dolphins colours was brief, Saifiti’s impact on the group was immediate.
The 30-year-old brought experience, professionalism and a team-first mentality, helping to drive standards and support the club’s continued growth.
The Dolphins have thanked him for his contribution to the club and congratulated him on an outstanding rugby league career.
"There is no doubt Daniel was our best player in the first eight weeks of last year and we have really missed him since then," said Dolphins' CEO Terry Reader.
"It is sad for it to end this way but Daniel has had a career he can be proud of, and he will continue to add to our club off the field this year."
