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Tackles and Tinnies - E31 - Dolphins 2025 Review & 2026 Preview
20 Plays3 months ago
The Dolphins in 2025 were pure chaos in the best way — the comp’s best attack, huge moments, and that “anyone can get it” confidence… but the defensive lapses and consistency swings kept them 9th and watching September from the couch.
In this episode of our 17-part 2026 mini-series, we break down why 2026 is the real “prove it” year — because the roster’s improved, expectations are up, and the draw is 4th-hardest. No freebies, just footy.
We get into:
• 2025 snapshot: elite attack, but defence + discipline cost them finals
• The Round 23 blow-up that basically ended the push
• 2026 gains: Cobbo, Schneider, Morgan Knowles — what it unlocks
• Hammer/Herbie strike, and the early-season reshuffle with Bostock out
• The 2026 draw, key stretches, and why start-fast matters
• Our ladder call: Dolphins finish 6th — first finals appearance
Cap or Fact: Dolphins finish 6th even with the draw from hell?
Dolphins fans — where’ve you got them finishing in 2026? 👇
Recommended
Transcript
00:00:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Happy Wednesday, guys. It's the 7th of Jan. We're currently doing our mini-series for all 17 teams. We are pumping through these. The next one up is now is the Red Cliff Dolphins, the mighty, mighty Dolphins, the and NRL darling, the newest team in the comp that's officially running, we should say. What can we say about them?
00:00:23
Tackles and Tinnies
First impressions from the 2025, fantastic, fantastic. All things considering had so many injuries and so many setbacks with those injuries, in particularly in their forwards, I thought they were fantastic.
00:00:36
Tackles and Tinnies
But their season snapshot overall, ninth. So, so close. Okay? 12 wins, 12 losses with a positive differentiation of 125
00:00:49
Tackles and Tinnies
Awesome. They scored 721 points overall, which was by far the best in the league by 41 points. And they had a mediocre defense, which was below par around 10th. That is definitely their biggest focus for 2026.
00:01:04
Tackles and Tinnies
We have a look at their home games, so seven wins, so yeah settle wins five losses, and from a away they lost seven and won five. So again, middle the pack, which explains their record.
00:01:18
Tackles and Tinnies
The biggest and most important one we can look at, again, is the run home. So the last five games, they won two out of five. Okay, and there was a very, very monumental loss to a pivotal team, very similar to our previous podcast with the Manly Seagulls, but that team was against the Sydney Roosters. So when the Roosters had to play and win, they did, and they did so convincingly. So the key loss of the Roosters in round 23, losing 64 to 12. If they win that game against the Roosters, assuming that they win every other game, they're on top of the ladder.
00:01:53
Tackles and Tinnies
Sorry, on top of the ladder. They are making the eight, okay? Okay. You've got to win the games against the teams who are above you, particularly when it's so tight, particularly in that 2025 season. Again, if they won that game, who would have knows what could have happened. That could have been their first ever time making the top eight.
00:02:08
Tackles and Tinnies
So again, defense, defense, defense. Conceding 64 points for a team that loves putting points on, very disappointing. Again, I think that comes down to the middle forward rotation, getting absolutely decimated with injuries. Guys like Flegler, Gilbert, Plath off the top of my head. Those type of guys would have made a big difference.
00:02:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, roster movements for 2025 and I'm just going to run off the guys who are there and are going to be mainstays for the foreseeable future in 2026. So Brad Snyder, he's a new recruit, fantastic get. bit of I'll talk about him later on.
00:02:46
Tackles and Tinnies
Lemu Lemu, he's there to 2027. Saifidi, 2027.
00:02:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Felice Gafusi, he's getting up there in age now. Still a veteran presence. Again, I'll talk about him soon. He's there to 2027. Francis Molo, he's there to the end of the 2026 season.
00:03:03
Tackles and Tinnies
i thought he was a bit of an unsung here, and I'm going to give him some flowers later on in the podcast. Very well could be starting if he makes that top 19 season. I thought he was great.
00:03:13
Tackles and Tinnies
Great mid-season pickup from the Dragons. Hopefully they can retain him and keep that forward rotation depth. But again, I'll talk about him later on. Hamiso, again, I'll talk about all these guys later on, but he's there to 2027.
00:03:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Herbie Farnworth, 2027. Katoa, he's there to 2028. Bostock, 2027. Guys who are finishing up this year, potentially. We've got Avarulo and Asako.
00:03:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Jeremy Marshall King, he's there to 2028. Nick 2026.
00:03:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Felice Gafusi. Sorry, not Felice Gafusi. Fene Fouillaki, he's in 2027. Kurt Donahue, 2027. Max Plath, coming back from that ACL injury. Again, I'll talk about him later on in 2028.
00:03:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Morgan Knowles, new recruit from England. Middle forward slash edge rotation. He might be getting a sneaky crack in that top 19. in 2027.
00:04:05
Tackles and Tinnies
Guys at the end of this year's contract, Oregon Kifusi. Sorry, Oregon Kifusi. Oregon Key, 2026, and Ray Stone, 2026. Selwyn Cobbo, a new recruit for this year. He's in here for a one-year contract. Does he get extended? Again, we'll talk about that later on.
00:04:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Nafahu, end of 2027. I thought he was a gun. Again, we'll talk about him later on. Thomas Flegler. A lot to talk about there regarding Flegler. Hasn't played in two years.
00:04:35
Tackles and Tinnies
Looking on track to start the year. He's there to 2027. Tommy Gilbert, gone when healthy. Hasn't been able to stay healthy, but he's here to 2028. And their absolute X factor, the energizer bunny, Trey Fuller. He's there until the end of the year. Hopefully they can re-sign him.
00:04:54
Tackles and Tinnies
But let's just talk about 2025 as a whole. So they gained at the start of the season. They got Fene Fouillaki from the Cowboys, a young, dynamic, barnstorming edge runner. Didn't get much of an opportunity at the Cowboys with consistent minutes, but he seemed to lock down that starting edge position.
00:05:10
Tackles and Tinnies
Love him as a player. And again, I'll talk about him later on with some roses because I think he definitely deserves some. He got invited to the origin camp from Billy Slater for Queensland.
00:05:20
Tackles and Tinnies
So obviously that speaks in itself. Daniel Saifidi, big pickup from the Knights, big middle forward. Max Fenge, from the Dragons, outside back depth.
00:05:30
Tackles and Tinnies
Francis Molo, who i was talking about earlier on, huge get, absolute huge get. Middle forward rotation, international representative for Samoa, I believe. Sebastian Suar, didn't get much game time, but edge middle depth and Junior Tupo, same same with same sort of thing. Wing center, but yeah, not too much talk about there.
00:05:52
Tackles and Tinnies
2025 losses. So Jesse Bromage, he was a former former captain, big loss there. Jay Wall, former Titans, he's retired. Tevita Pangar Jr. went to Catlins.
00:06:04
Tackles and Tinnies
Ewan Aiken went to the Rabbitohs. Tessie Nui went to Lees, Rhinos. Balanced Teh Fari, hard one to pronounce, but the big bop. He played a couple of games for Wayne Bennett when he was at their tenure. He went to Japanese rugby and Mason Teague went to the Knights.
00:06:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Regards to their 2026 games. Okay, this is a big one here. Selwyn Cobo. Strike outside back. Provides depth in all three positions. Fullback, center, or wing. Where does he play for the draught not the drs where do does he pay for the Dolphins in
00:06:39
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm assuming it'll be in the starting centers. I prefer him on the wing, provides great yardage, but we will see. We will see when we get to that top 19. Brad Snyder came from the Panthers, halfback, 5'8", hooker, utility off the bench. Great pickup. Yeah, because they obviously lost Sean O'Souvelin. So I think it's a good pickup for them.
00:07:02
Tackles and Tinnies
Morgan Knowles, I mentioned him earlier on. He's come from St. Helms. He's a lock middle, high motor. Definitely will pushing for a number 19 slash starting jersey.
00:07:13
Tackles and Tinnies
But does he make it at the start of year? Another one to be talking about later on. 2025, how they actually went. So as I mentioned previously, their attack was Dynamo. It was the best in the league with 721 points.
00:07:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Outrageous, outrageous, especially like their last 10 weeks of the season. They were putting up like 50 or 60 points in some of these games. Absolutely crazy, even with their forward injuries. Awesome in regards with Herbie Farnworth on the left edge.
00:07:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Give him the ball and he was just gone. Absolutely gone. Hammer, great support play as per usual. Yeah. Those two guys I can't give enough praise to. Outside back guns, Herbie, international representative for England. Hammer, international representative for Queensland. And then next year or this year, technically, 2026, we'll be representing Samoa.
00:08:03
Tackles and Tinnies
If their back five stays healthy, they're one of the best back fives in the comp. We will see. But consistency is obviously the key. Bostock went down. Asako didn't get any ball.
00:08:14
Tackles and Tinnies
That right edge was definitely questionable. Getting no ball, because obviously Hobie Fineworth is so good in his own right. We'll see how they go there. Nick Arima was great in patches.
00:08:25
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought he, as the season went on, he was getting better. Definitely. Great runner of the ball. Good eyes-up footballer. Compliments Katoa perfectly, where Katoa's more the orchestrator.
00:08:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Nick Arima's more the guy just, yeah, having a look, see what's in front of him and lets him go. But yeah, Katoa's still learning, but obviously huge monumental upside. Could be pushing the state of origin.
00:08:47
Tackles and Tinnies
Could be pushing a State of Origin, particularly if Queensland go 2-0, for example. They might want to blood him early on. We'll see. But he already got invited to the Game 3 camp. But Moses and Cleary, in my eyes, will be the two starters for next year.
00:09:01
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, defence. Defence in 2025. So, obviously, missed some big middles in regards to Flegler and Gilbert. Huge losses there. I think it's just their dog, their aggression. They definitely missed them.
00:09:13
Tackles and Tinnies
They were putting guys like Kurt Donahue, who's obviously a small ball lock. He was like a half at some stage slash hooker, but he was playing lock. So that's obviously saying to what their forward depth was looking like. Max Plas is another guy who got down.
00:09:27
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, missed some aggression, some big middles. Flegler Gilbert, big losses. I thought their edges weren't always great in defense. Again, that comes down to consistency, repetition, youth, more experience in other off-season, cohesion regarding to not many people leaving the club.
00:09:47
Tackles and Tinnies
I think they're going to be better for the run for next year or this year, sorry. Fene Fouillaki, Lemu Lemu, Yeah, great attack on women's, but can they defend on a consistent basis?
00:09:58
Tackles and Tinnies
Identity, they were physical, they competitive, and they were rarely out-tuffed, and that was ingrained from that Wade Bennett era, and Christian Wolfe has continued on with that, and they're hard-nosed. Every time you're going to play them, going get hurt in contact, regardless if they're missing some of their big bops, but they're always going competitive, and obviously that stayed true to how many points they scored in attack.
00:10:21
Tackles and Tinnies
But obviously they lack some polish in game management and tight ones. That's probably due to some inexperience from Kartola. Yeah, guys coming out of Origin, losing Hobie Farnworth in the back end of the year was absolutely killer.
00:10:33
Tackles and Tinnies
And that's probably one of the main reasons why they didn't get in the top eight. But yeah, we'll touch on that later on. So under and over performance for 2025, people who over delivered in my eyes, Herbie Farnworth.
00:10:46
Tackles and Tinnies
He's elite. He is by far the best center in the league. Him and Stephen Criiden, 1A, 1B in my eyes. I'd probably have to put Herbie slightly above him in regards to offensive upside. Uh,
00:10:59
Tackles and Tinnies
He was your gun. Like when he tore his hamstring, I remember he was on like 60 super coach points in like 20 minutes. I'm like, Herbie Farnworth is about to pop off and then bang, snipe a rifle.
00:11:11
Tackles and Tinnies
When Herbie went down, that was pretty much the Dolphin season. That's how important he was to that 2025 squad. But yeah, his defense has improved significantly. His confidence is through the roof.
00:11:23
Tackles and Tinnies
By far their best player overall for 2025. And again, that's the accolade that he gets, getting center of the year. Hamiso. So still one of the scariest broken field runners.
00:11:34
Tackles and Tinnies
Fantastic in origin three. He played three different positions in origin, played wing, center, and fullback. Just shows his versatility that he can do. Fantastic attacking upside, obviously.
00:11:45
Tackles and Tinnies
Getting better in regards to facilitating and being the sweeper. I'd love to see more of a short kicking game develop in that 2026 coming season. I think that's his next part that he needs to work on.
00:11:57
Tackles and Tinnies
But he's a Ferrari. He's a high-end guy, top speed, probably the best support player in the league. Amiso, 10 out of 10. Jerry Marshall King, he's probably in the tier two hooker position, I would have to say. Obviously, you've got Harry Grant in tier one.
00:12:15
Tackles and Tinnies
Jaden Braley, sorry, Blake Braley is pushing there with Harry Grant. I'd probably say Jerry Marshall King is probably in a top five hooking position.
00:12:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Struggles to stay in the park. That's his biggest flaw. If he can stay healthy, touch wood, he'll be fantastic for them in the 2026 season. Kurt Donahue, he was the Mr. Fix-It for 2025. He played everywhere. He looked good when doing so.
00:12:42
Tackles and Tinnies
And I thought he looked really good at lock. That small ball, the new age of rugby league, not being so big bop. Let's say, look, that I'd like to say the more linking role provides more attacking flair. And again, speaks volumes to their are total output with 721 points given.
00:13:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, he was there, Mr. Fix-It. Does he start in 2026 with Maxi Plath due to come back in round four? Time will definitely tell there.
00:13:10
Tackles and Tinnies
I think it's his jersey to lose because he definitely earned it. Yeah, shout out to Kurt Donahue. Max Plath, he was an unsung hero before the injury. Sort of popped out out of nowhere.
00:13:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Could play edge, could play middle, could play lock, could play a little bit dummy half. Very Kurt Donahue-esque, very similar, and you like the versatility that those two boys could have. However, went down with the ac ACL injury, devastating for him.
00:13:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Potential Queensland player later on, we will see. But yeah, I think they're going to ease him back in. So again, let's say he comes back round four.
00:13:46
Tackles and Tinnies
Let's say by round 10, he'll be fit and firing and definitely pushing for a starting position, if not already starting by then. Trey Fuller. Didn't play many games, but when given the opportunity to play, my God, he was electric. He was by far one of the best attacking players in the comp. For such a small dude, he just breaks the line.
00:14:06
Tackles and Tinnies
He's a tackle-busting machine. He's probably like my weight. I'm 80 kilos. Trey Fuller's probably not much more than me, if not the same weight, but he's so strong in contact. Fantastic support play. And yeah, when he actually started at fullback,
00:14:21
Tackles and Tinnies
with Hammer then shifting to center or Hammer not playing. Yeah, he also came back from an ACL injury, something else to note there as well. But when he was playing, fantastic. And he also got recognized in the Prime Minister 13 for being that good.
00:14:34
Tackles and Tinnies
So fantastic, Fuller. Wouldn't mind seeing him getting a crack if the Dolphins start slow. Does he make the top 19? Time will tell. I'll tell you guys later.
00:14:46
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, Question marks for the 2025-2026 season. So again, penalties, six again, compounding errors. That's every team, guys. But again, for this team, that struggle with defense, particularly with lacking forward depth with all those injuries at the start-slash-middle of the year.
00:15:04
Tackles and Tinnies
Struggled there. Edge consistency with Lemu Lemu, Fene Fouillaki, and sometimes Khalees Kafusi.
00:15:13
Tackles and Tinnies
More reps for the two former players. Kofusi, obviously, I see see him more as a middle these days. Break class in case of emergency on the edge. And now with the 19 players on the bench, I just see him purely as a as a front rower, as a small ball front rower.
00:15:31
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, they need find balance between Lemu Lemu and Fene Fouillaki, potentially Morgan Knowles coming through. And again, closing the tight games away from home. When at Suncorp, when at Redcliffe, they were pretty good overall. But the games that were meant to win, example, Roosters game, they've got to be winning those.
00:15:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Tigers at the back end of the year, again, I'll talk about that later on. You've got to win those games. Otherwise, you're not going to be a top eight quality team, even if your team's good on paper. Now players to watch for 2026, Isaiah Katoa.
00:16:06
Tackles and Tinnies
Now locked into the number seven jersey, big leap year incoming in my eyes. One of the best organizing halves in the game. Probably the best player to take on the line and digging into the line and then passing out the back. he's probably the best at doing that. And a lot of farbacks are stepping up and following a similar suit due to Katoa doing it so well.
00:16:29
Tackles and Tinnies
He's kicking games elite, can prove that he can ice games through field goals. He's done that at an international level in 2024. Yeah, can't give enough praise to Cartola. But again, third year as a starting, or third or fourth year starting as a player in the halves, definitely big things coming for him.
00:16:46
Tackles and Tinnies
Fane Fouyaki, again, looked at home as a starter coming from the Cowboys. He needs to lock down that starting edge position and ideally expand from that 60-minute role that he's currently having. I'd love to see him develop into an 80-minute player.
00:17:02
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, he's so dynamic in attack. He's not Viliami Kikau. He's not Ola Kawatu, but he's pretty bloody good in regards to running the ball and breaking tackles. Again, he got invited to the Queensland Origin Camp from Billy Slater.
00:17:16
Tackles and Tinnies
The potential is there. He just needs to be consistent. Jack Bostock, he was their long-term starting winger outside Herbie Farmworth. He obviously tore his ACL, which was devastating to see. I'll talk about that later on. But again,
00:17:30
Tackles and Tinnies
With Bostock being out, he's going to probably have a hard time getting back into the team if the boys are winning. And there's a guy by the name of Tevita Nafahu, young outside back, played very well when Bostock was out.
00:17:46
Tackles and Tinnies
absolute gun electric on his feet playing outside to be farm worth my god he was scoring trials left right and center and guys like a sarko and uh fangai and or avarillo potentially he was on the other side this guy's got no ball because the left edge was so good and nafire who was on the back end of the year was one of the reasons why does he get a regular first grade start in 2026
00:18:14
Tackles and Tinnies
He's going to be tough for him. He's still young where I'd rather him play Q Cup if he's not in the starting 13 on the wing. But we will talk about that later on in the top 19 plays.
00:18:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Brad Snyder, reliable backup half hooker. He's a great get. Obviously, they lost Sean O'Souvelin. He's gone to a different club. Can't remember off the top of my head. But yes, Snyder, great get from the Panthers. Winning culture, winning system. Provides that experience. Great utility.
00:18:41
Tackles and Tinnies
Can fill in on the halves in a pinch, and you're not going to lose too much. Yes, smart footballer. Morgan Knowles, haven't seen I've only seen a couple of highlights on YouTube, but yeah, he's an English import. Be pushing for a starting spot by year's end, in my opinion, if Lemu Lemu and Fene Fouillaki aren't up to scratch.
00:18:58
Tackles and Tinnies
Bit more reliable than probably those guys who have more attacking upside, but yeah, will be very interesting. Could even be shifted into the middle if need be.
00:19:09
Tackles and Tinnies
There's two guys falling to the same category here. We've Flegler and Tommy Gilbert. Particularly Flegler being out of sight, out of mind for two years. But if you recall, when he was at the back end of his Broncos, he was gone.
00:19:23
Tackles and Tinnies
Absolute dog. Yeah, he was pushing for Queensland and and Australian jerseys before his devastating shoulder injury. The news that I'm seeing from NRL Physio on Instagram is that he's definitely on track for trials, let alone start getting a position in this first couple of rounds.
00:19:41
Tackles and Tinnies
Hopefully, Flegler's back fit and firing. Would love to see him back in a Queensland jersey. And the other guy coming back from injury is Tom Gilbert. He's just been one of the most unlucky buggers in the whole entire comp.
00:19:53
Tackles and Tinnies
Shoulder injury, ACL injury, back injury, you name he's probably had it. I love the way he plays. I love the aggression that he shows. great leader.
00:20:04
Tackles and Tinnies
He's their in enforcer, one of their enforcers, missing those two aggro guys in their pack, bringing them back in if if they're healthy for 2026, Dutchwood, I think they're going to make a monumental difference. And you can bloody tape that up now and replay it later on in the season. But those two guys are guns.
00:20:24
Tackles and Tinnies
And the last guy i want to talk about is Selwyn Cobbo. and okay Obviously, he fell out of favor at the Brisbane Broncos. Off-contract situation. Obviously, salary cap squeezed more than likely it was the main reason. He loves being in Brisbane, hence why signing with Redcliffe.
00:20:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Or being in Redcliffe, signing with the Dolphins. Utility outside back. Best position. probably wing, second best, probably fullback, and then center.
00:20:49
Tackles and Tinnies
Can be lazy. Can be lazy. If he works on his engine and his motor a little bit, just a little bit, I do project him to be an out-and-out first grader consistently. He has the talent.
00:21:01
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, it's just the motor, in my opinion. Lack of decision-making. But only signed for one year, is he just a depth piece or is he actually going to be a consistent first grader?
00:21:11
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, we talk about Nafahu. You've got guys like Bostock coming back. You've got mainstays like Asako. Abarillo is obviously sniffing around. Herbie's staying in the team. You've Trey Fuller pushing up. Hamiso is there.
00:21:24
Tackles and Tinnies
There's a lot of guys fighting for five positions. Does Cobo come off the bench? Does he start? i want to hear from you guys in the comments. Where does Cobo fit in this Dolphins team for 2026? I don't know. It's a tough one, but again, we'll find out in the top 19 where he fits.
00:21:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, 2026 draw and strength of schedule. This is according to Fox Sports. Again, you guys know this. You've been following along with the other segments. Their fixture difficulty is the fourth hardest in the entire league.
00:21:52
Tackles and Tinnies
So teams they play twice are the Rabbitohs. Again, they're due for, surely they're due for resurgence. They've cleaned out their entire strength and conditioning. Also guys with the Rabbitohs, Rabideau's podcast. We haven't done their review because i'm trying to tee up Morgan, who's a diehard Rabideau's fan.
00:22:08
Tackles and Tinnies
I think he'd provide great insight. And he said, I'm not allowed to sledge him, but I think the Rabideau's is oversledging. So we'll see. But again, Rabideau's should be better, but they're playing them twice.
00:22:18
Tackles and Tinnies
Warriors should be getting Metcalf back. They should be better. More their younger fellas and other years of experience. uh roosters should be better again sammy walk is back for a whole entire year dce is in there now got a new hooker yeah they're going to be uh absolute dynamos Broncos, again, what can we say?
00:22:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Back-to-back, or their premiership winners, hopefully going back-to-back, if not the Titans. But yeah, Broncos, very good. They're to hard comp. Obviously, a local sort of derby as well. We love to see that.
00:22:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Cowboys, another Queensland team. Who knows about the Cowboys? We just did their review as well. They're rocks and diamonds. The definition of rocks and diamonds. They either make top four or they're missing and the eight. There's no in between.
00:23:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Gold Coast Titans, good on paper. done a complete clean out of their roster. Okay. Will they be better under Josh Hanna? Obviously a lot of question marks there, but you would assume the Dolphins overall should be better than them, unfortunately. And the Eagles, yeah.
00:23:21
Tackles and Tinnies
Lost DCE, gained Fogarty. Most their team's pretty intact. Tough comp, I think they're in a similar sort of bracket. But again, Tommy Turbo is their definitive factor. Sharky's bona fide top four team, consistent, pretty much got their entire squad. Obviously lost Ronaldo and Moulatalo due to an ACL injury. Could be back at the back end of the year. Time will tell there.
00:23:43
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, that's be a tough game. Games versus 2025, top eight teams, they have 12. Games versus 2025, top four teams, they have five. And Games versus bottom four teams, they six. So again, very winnable games, depending where they are in the draw. Could be origin time, people could be injured, lot of variables. But again, according to Fox Sports, it's their fourth hardest draw.
00:24:07
Tackles and Tinnies
So key stretches, they got round one against the Rabbitohs, round two against the Titans. Again, these are games that, in theory, they should be winning. The first game is at home. Second game is at home.
00:24:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Round three, they're versing the Sharkies. That's away. Round four against the Broncos. That's going to be a local derby at Suncorp. Packed house, probably 50,000 there. Round five, we have Dolphins versus Manly.
00:24:34
Tackles and Tinnies
And then obviously get that round six buy. So again, a lot of variables in regards to how they're perform. A lot of winnable games. And in my opinion, they've got the most opportune buy at round six. You got one month of straight football and then buy. You can rest. You can re-tinker, see what works, what doesn't work. If you to make changes in your back line or forward rotation, perfect opportunity to do so.
00:25:00
Tackles and Tinnies
In the middle middle draw, okay they've got some games that are going to be traveling a lot. okay They've gone to Darwin against the Panthers. They've got the Warriors in New Zealand, and they've some tough matchups with the Storm and the Bulldogs, probably the top four teams, and then the Rabideaus, who bloody knows what's going to happen to them. They could be bloody second due to their roster, or they could be down to 15th. Very hard.
00:25:23
Tackles and Tinnies
Not sure. i Run home, so rounds 20 to round 27, heavy Queensland draw in regards to either playing a Queensland team or being at Suncorp. So round 20 at home versus the Cowboys.
00:25:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Round 23 at Suncourt versus the Broncos, local derby, another blockbuster game there. Round 25 versus the Eels at home and round 27 away, just down the M1, down my way at Seabus. And they also got a round 21 draw.
00:25:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Pretty favorable, lot of Queensland teams, not a lot of travel. You'd love to see that for a Dolphins team that will be pushing for a top six spot in my eyes potentially, but we'll find out shortly.
00:26:09
Tackles and Tinnies
Lots of big name opponents who are there playing twice. But again, a lot less travel than other Sydney clubs, particularly in the back end of the year. Travels in my eyes, not an athlete who's a top level athlete anyway, but travel is a killer.
00:26:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Okay. If you're going to New Zealand and then you're going up to North Queensland and then you're going down to Melbourne and then whatever. Okay. Not optimal. You've got four... four-ish games, okay, at home, or got the bye, fantastic. No excuses. Should be rested. Familiarity in regards to training grounds and protocols. Your routine's going to be similar.
00:26:47
Tackles and Tinnies
Everything in their favor, okay, particularly against the Titans and EOS in the last couple of games, very winnable games, they should be pushing for that top eight. Health pending.
00:26:58
Tackles and Tinnies
Okay, guys. Projected starting 19. Again, we've talked about this before in our other team previews and reviews. So this, again, is based off the Zero Tackle website as well as Fox Sports, ChatGPT, and my own personal insights.
00:27:13
Tackles and Tinnies
So the ITest slash Supercoach. So my eyes to start in round one. Hamiso, Tabua, Fado at fullback. He's a lock to at least start the season.
00:27:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Speaks for himself. On the wing, I've currently got Jermaine Asako. He's their goal kicker. He's their potential field goal taker. Unreal kicking game, by the way. 50-meter field goals left, right, and center.
00:27:37
Tackles and Tinnies
I wish he gets more ball. I wish he got more ball. He's so fast and such a good finisher, but they go left all the time to Herbie. Could they switch Asako to the left-hand side?
00:27:49
Tackles and Tinnies
Maybe, particularly with an injury, but going to be on the right-hand wing. Jake Abiluolo snags the other wing spot. I think he deserves to be there. Fantastic utility player, played outside Herbie Farmworth in patches, as well as playing in the center position as well.
00:28:05
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought he was great. I think he deserves the jersey. But does he hold that position? We'll get to that conversation later on. In the centers, Herbie speaks for himself. He'll be the left edge. He's arguably their best player or most impactful player.
00:28:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Absolute gun, mainstay, international player, best center, arguably top five player in the game. Herbie Farmworth, lock and load. The other center position, I've got Selwyn Cobo. Okay, I've got him starting at center. You could easily shift Avarilo to center and then Cobo to the left wing. Let's do that on the fly, actually, guys. Asako on the right wing, Cobo on the left wing. Cobo will then be outside Herbie Farmworth and then Avarilo and Asako will be on the right-hand side.
00:28:49
Tackles and Tinnies
I probably actually prefer that. Yep. Okay, but again, Avrilow, good utility, can shift to the wing if need be. In the halves, lock and load from 2025, Nick Arima and Isaiah Katoa, both those guys are building a very nice combination together. I think they complement each other very well. Gattel was that orchestrator. He digs a line on correct space for the outside backs, particularly Hamiso doing the sweep play.
00:29:15
Tackles and Tinnies
And then obviously Cody Nicarema, he's the eyes-up football, willing willing to take on the line, very nifty, quick off the mark. Love to see it. The middle rotation is a lot to be discussed and argued about.
00:29:28
Tackles and Tinnies
So... You could go a multitude of ways here and therefore depth is actually looking pretty good this year, assuming everyone's healthy. But I want to also reward guys who did a good job, not only at club land, but in international football.
00:29:42
Tackles and Tinnies
So to start the round one, I've got Francis Molo. I thought he was a fantastic pickup, bit of an unsung hero, as I mentioned before. I think he deserves to start, did nothing wrong.
00:29:56
Tackles and Tinnies
International player in the Pac Nations, I believe it was Samoa. I thought he was great. Definitely deserves to play there. But if Flegler's good to go and proves himself healthy and fit and firing, definitely could be a starter there. Another sniff could be Felice Kafusi.
00:30:14
Tackles and Tinnies
Okay, you might want to start with the experience. Take the the grunt out of the game, then you get a bit more aggro and bop on the field with Molo. three Three guys for one position in my eyes right there.
00:30:27
Tackles and Tinnies
The other front row, I think he's a lock and he's arguably their enforcer, is Daniel Saifidi. Big fella. Got that dog in him. Yeah. He's their biggest guy on their team.
00:30:39
Tackles and Tinnies
And he's been relatively healthy overall. Yeah. Daniel Saifidi will be their starting front row. Again, as I mentioned before, Molo, Kofusi, and Flegler will be fighting for the other front row spot.
00:30:53
Tackles and Tinnies
My ideal starting second rollers would be Lemu Lemu and Fene Fouillaki. I think both of those boys provide a lot of athleticism, attacking Dynamo, good leg speed, can hit hard in defense.
00:31:07
Tackles and Tinnies
I think it's more so the athleticism that is the draw card for me personally. You could obviously put Tom Gilbert in there as well as a Smokey on the edge. Maxi Plath, when he comes back healthy, that's another Smokey. He could be starting on an edge.
00:31:21
Tackles and Tinnies
A lot to be desired, but we will see. Tommy Gilbert could definitely be on one of the starting edges with another guy coming off the bench who I'll talk about shortly. At number nine, at hooker, I've got Jeremy Marshall King, lock and load, set and forget. Again, he's like a tier two slash three hooker.
00:31:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Can he stay healthy? Can he minimize the head knocks? That is his key to a successful 2026 season.
00:31:46
Tackles and Tinnies
As I mentioned previously, Tom Gilbert and at lock currently, but could be easily shifted to the second row if they want a specialist back rower coming off the bench. But yeah, currently got him at lock.
00:31:57
Tackles and Tinnies
Brad Snyder is my number 14. He's my utility half slash hooker. Experience premiership winner coming from a winning system with the Panthers. Very happy with that selection there.
00:32:09
Tackles and Tinnies
Morgan Knowles coming from England. Middle lock, could play some edge. Defensive workhorse. I think he gets his top 19 position. I don't think he starts just yet. Could be Smokey on later on the season.
00:32:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, I think number 16, I've got Kurt Donahue. He's my lock slash utility player. Very hard done by. Could easily be starting at the lock position with Lemu Lemu dropping back to the bench. Tommy Gilbert going to the second row Donahue starting at lock.
00:32:38
Tackles and Tinnies
Very well could be the case, but at this current configuration of first glance, I've got Donahue off the bench. Felice Caffouse is my other guy. Again, I talked about Molo and Flegla.
00:32:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Any of those three boys could be starting in that position. It could be very well matchup pendant. It could be if someone's got a bit of a niggle and they want reduced minutes. Does Caffouse provide enough impact off the bench?
00:33:05
Tackles and Tinnies
Maybe not. Maybe not. He's getting a bit old. He's more of a veteran. Good in defense. Small ball middle. Still aggressive as all hell. what do you You tell me, guys.
00:33:16
Tackles and Tinnies
Would you rather Kofusi start at the front row position instead of Molo slash Flegler? Or would you rather him come off the bench or even potentially drop from the team because it' got so much depth now? You let me know in the comments.
00:33:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Number 18, guys, I've got Tommy Flegler. I want to ease him back in. I'll put all the pressure off him. could Has the talent to be a starter? Has the pedigree to be a starter? Has the games behind him to be a starter?
00:33:40
Tackles and Tinnies
But I think 20 minutes, let's go 20 minutes for Flegler on his return, at least for the first month. See how he goes. See how the shoulder goes. Ease him back in.
00:33:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Ease him back in. Get the confidence up. And I got my number 19. I got my break glass in case of emergencies in Trey Fuller. He's the X Factor. If the chips are down, you put them on.
00:34:03
Tackles and Tinnies
okay If an outside back goes down, you put them on. Hammer very easily can shift to wing or center. Trey Fuller at the back. Again, I mentioned before, got a call-up for the Prime Minister 13. He put in the wing. It's good, like, four tries.
00:34:17
Tackles and Tinnies
yeah he's He's just a gun. He just knows how to find the line. He knows how to set the attack. And again, he's the perfect guy off the bench if he doesn't start at fullback.
00:34:28
Tackles and Tinnies
So depth just outside the top 19 for round one. Again, we talked about Jack Bostock earlier on in the podcast. He could very well easily take a wing position back when he is proven healthy. Again, he was very good outside Herbie Farmworth pre ACL injury. He just provides a different body type. He's very tall, provides that vertical threat in the air, a bit of a deterrent as well for a cross field kick for the other team as well.
00:34:51
Tackles and Tinnies
Big selection call, very big selection call. Could get dropped. One of the other boys could get dropped. Might even get a crack. Could come off the bench. He's a very tricky one to talk about. He's projected to be back around eight to 10, according to NRL Physio on Instagram. So that's a watch your so watch this space type of thing.
00:35:10
Tackles and Tinnies
Ray Stone, again, he's been there in about for the class couple of years. Can jump knolls or a last middle spot. Could be Kofusi type of vibe. If Christian Wolfe wants more pure tackle bots. I think it's very matchup dependent. I think if some boys need extra break, Ray Stone can definitely do a job there.
00:35:26
Tackles and Tinnies
i like the aggro in him. And he's played through plenty of injury in the 2025 season. Very well could get a position off the bench. We will see. He will definitely be fighting for a top 19 position.
00:35:39
Tackles and Tinnies
Nafahu, we talked about him earlier on, backline depth if injuries come to play. Could very well get a starting wing position. Avrilo might get hard done by. Kobo might get hard done by. will be pushing for that spot. Could be pushing for Trey Fuller's spot on the the bench as a pure outsider out outside back Smokey.
00:35:59
Tackles and Tinnies
But I do project him missing the top 19.
00:36:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, but he's so young, so much talent. I'd rather him not just be on the bench and not play. I'd rather him get extra reps in reserve gate in Q Cup. And the last guy to talk about is Maxi Plath. I hope he's somewhere in the 19 upon return, which is about round three to four, according to NRL Physio on Instagram.
00:36:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, edge, lock, could play prop, can play nine. He'll be there. Does he start on return? Probably not, probably comes off the bench, probably gets ease in.
00:36:34
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he start by round 10? That is the true question. He's a bolter for origin last year before injury. I don't know. He's also another tough one.
00:36:45
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, this Dolphins team is pretty stacked in regards to their depth. He will definitely be in the 19. Well, definitely in the 17 because he'll be playing every week when he's healthy. But does he start or does he come to the bench? Let me know, guys, in the comments. What do you think about Max Plath and his role for 2026? Edge, middle, hooker, bench, you let me know.
00:37:05
Tackles and Tinnies
and Yeah, so that's the main ones there. 2026 narrative and prediction. So again, we talked about the dynamicism of their starting back five with Hammer, Asako, Herbie, Cobo with potentially Avrilo, Bostock, Nafau. That's one of the best back fives in the comp.
00:37:23
Tackles and Tinnies
You can even chuck a tray fuller back there and switch that around even further. Their spine with Hammer, Nick Arima, Katoa and Jerry Marshall King.
00:37:33
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, good enough to be in a final spot in my eyes. Can Katoa deliver the goods with more experience another year in a preseason learning his craft and game?
00:37:44
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, Jerry Marshall King, Nick Arima, all those boys. I think they'll be better for the run home. One of the better spines, top six quality in my eyes. Their pack, again, another huge narrative for 2026. They're getting guys like Flegler and Gilbert and Plath back.
00:38:01
Tackles and Tinnies
They've got established guys like Safidi, Ray Stone, Fene Fouillaki, Lemuelemu, Kofusi, and they've new recruit in Knowles. Okay. Plenty of depth now in the Fords.
00:38:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Can they be dominant enough against some of those big dog packs like the Brisbane Broncos, like the Canberra Raiders? Okay. like the, I guess you could throw the Penrith Panthers in there well.
00:38:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Can they stack up? Going off those names there, definitely. Now guys, my ladder prediction for the Dolphins in 2026. So they came ninth in 2025, but in 2026, I project them to be number six to number eight.
00:38:44
Tackles and Tinnies
Okay, they'll be officially their first finals appearance in their Tencha. They have the fourth toughest draw, but their talent bump with Cobo, depth with Snyder, and new recruit in Knowles with minimal disruption in terms of losses and obviously getting natural improvement from Cartola and some of the other younger boys and particularly getting some forwards back with, as again I mentioned before, Gilbert, Flegler, and Plath.
00:39:10
Tackles and Tinnies
I expect big things from the Dolphins in 2026.
00:39:15
Tackles and Tinnies
In my eyes, their ceiling anywhere between third to six if they can close out those games and maintain health. Their floor, however, they could be down to 10th to 12th if discipline and defense don't improve.
00:39:29
Tackles and Tinnies
And again, I've talked about this in our previous reviews slash previews. The competition has so much transparency and it's so stacked that I could honestly see probably sixth to 16th, honestly, maybe two games away from making the eight.
00:39:47
Tackles and Tinnies
That's how good the competition is. And that is fantastic as a viewer, as a spectator, as an analyst, as a commentator, as a podcaster. everyone's a winner everyone's a winner the quality of football in 2026 i'm projecting it to be absolutely outstanding particularly now with this new interchange rule with uh six players total we've had dilemmas in the past where an outside back goes down a second grower goes in i don't want to throw anyone on the bus but i remember it vividly as a gold coast titans fan i'll quickly tell the story i think I think it was against the Melbourne Storm or it could have been the Penrith Panthers. It was one of the two, but we're at a home game. Jacob Alec Winky had to get shifted to the centers. I believe Brian Kelly got injured and then one of those two teams identified it straight away and Alec Winky couldn't catch up with the center. Bang, they scored after coming back from a deficit and the Titans lost that game.
00:40:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, that situation now changes in 2026. Now that we have the extended interchange, so again, you might drop a forward off and say, oh, hey, Trey Fuller, you're on.
00:40:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Let's say Asako, touch wood, goes down. Okay, you can chuck a guy like Avarela to the wing. Herbie, oh, sorry, not Herbie. hammer to center and then trey fuller to the outside backs you're not really losing too much or a guy like nick orima goes down touch wood doesn't happen but again brad snyder you're up you're in okay again we're covering more positions so the quality of every single game should be better that's what i'm saying guys the comp is going to so close and that's why every one of these podcasts i'm really struggling to identify where these teams will break down and as i mentioned in the last podcast with the paramount eels i'm going get some other boys on and we're goingnna have a full breakdown
00:41:33
Tackles and Tinnies
of the of the draw and the ladder predictor okay to identify where everyone's going to be because again guys i'm really struggling but again therefore 10 to 12 but again one win away from me in the top eight so to finalize and finish up the podcast guys we got our uh main segment of the show our capital factor featuring chat gpt ChatGPT has identified five couple facts, and the first one being capital fact. Dolphins make their first ever finals and finish six.
00:42:04
Tackles and Tinnies
That is facts. Dolphins, you're in. I love their roster. I love how they got depth across all position. Boys will be pushing for spots. Not too detrimented by origin, which is fantastic. Health is a key for these boys.
00:42:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Health is a key. But I do say fact. I think they're going to make the top eight. Capitola starts all 24 games at halfback in 2026. Hoping so. I'm definitely hoping so. He's pretty durable overall. Touch wood. He stays good.
00:42:34
Tackles and Tinnies
and Yeah, I don't see any reason why he does not start at halfback. He's got youth on his side, which is obviously fantastic. They might give him an extra rest, potentially.
00:42:45
Tackles and Tinnies
we will see. Obviously, matchup pending. Yeah, time will tell. But do project him, obviously, health pending. He stays all 24 games at halfback. Next one, top of fact, the Hammer, Cobo, Herbie backline is a top three backline in the NRL.
00:43:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Well, obviously, they have the upside too. And don't obviously forget guys like Abarillo, Bostock, Nafahu, Asako, all those guys, and Fuller. I mean, their backline is probably top five easily. Okay? But is it top three?
00:43:17
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm going to say tentatively fact off the top of my head. Who's got a better back line than them?
00:43:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Broncos probably arguably has a better back line. Two Australian centers, Recy Walsh. Mariner is a New new Zealand player.
00:43:37
Tackles and Tinnies
Yep. Cowboys, pretty good. Not great. Who else have got? Quickly go through the ladder. Okay. Raiders, I'll say yes. Melbourne,
00:43:49
Tackles and Tinnies
yes, because they've lost Pappenhausen, even though they've got far longer now. Bulldogs, I will say yes. Broncos, no. Sharks, yes, because Mouratalo is injured.
00:44:01
Tackles and Tinnies
Warriors, I'll say yes. Panthers, I will say no. Roosters, I will say no Manly, I'll say no. Parramatta, yes. Cowboys, yes. Tigers, yes. Rabideaus.
00:44:14
Tackles and Tinnies
You got Jai Gray, AJ,
00:44:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Luttrell, Campbell Graham. who That's tough. That's a 50-50 one there. Dragons, yes. Titans, yes. Knights,
00:44:29
Tackles and Tinnies
That's tough too. Knott's got a pretty good back line. Ponga, Marju, Dong Wiyang, Gagai, and Brab and Bess. That's tough. Man, the league's pretty good. Top three, no. Top five, I'll say yes. so I have to say cap there.
00:44:45
Tackles and Tinnies
By round, so top of fact, by round 20, Fuller is starting at fullback. I'm going to say... cap because they're going to be healthy.
00:44:57
Tackles and Tinnies
But if one boy goes down, I can definitely see Fuller starting at fullback and then Hammer just gets shifted to center. I think there's more upside doing that than chucking a guy like Nafahu or even a Bostock in there.
00:45:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Ful is just a gun, man. He's absolutely a gun. And obviously, you can chuck one of those other boys onto the extended bench now that's 19 players. Does he start there at fullback? going to say cap going to hopefully that they're healthy. Dolphins fans, I'm praying for you.
00:45:25
Tackles and Tinnies
And the final one, capital fact, when Bostock is healthy, someone very good, Avrilo, Cobo, Osako, Nafahu, one of those boys gets pushed out of the starting back five.
00:45:38
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm going to say fact. I think Bostock outside Herbie has proven chemistry. He provides a different style of play in regards to the aerial threat, aerial deterrence, He's got only going to grow it into his body. He's still like quite thin, but I think he's going to grow into his body. Daniel Tupo-esque in a lot of ways.
00:45:58
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm going to say, yes, he pushes out. It's tough. tough. I'm going to say Avrilov gets pushed out. Yep, that's my prediction. Avrilov gets pushed out, and then Cobo gets shifted to center, and then I'm going to say...
00:46:13
Tackles and Tinnies
Avrilow gets to the extended bench. Tough call. Very, very tough call. What do you guys think? Capital factors, Bostock start when he's healthy. Let me know in the comments below. That's a really hard one.
00:46:24
Tackles and Tinnies
But guys, that's the podcast. That's the Dolphins 2025 review slash 2026 preview. They're probably one of the biggest gainers for next season or the current season now. I keep thinking it's not 2026. But yeah, they're probably one of the biggest risers in regards to expectations.
00:46:41
Tackles and Tinnies
Haven't lost many people, gained a lot of guys back from injury, gained a lot of experience from their younger fellas, and also gained... Yeah, just I think there's upside. There's just so much upside with this team.
00:46:55
Tackles and Tinnies
If they stay healthy, they are definitely a top six quality team. Time will tell. Dolphins fans, hear from you guys in the comments. Let me know your thoughts on this review slash preview.
00:47:07
Tackles and Tinnies
Am I over-exaggerating? Am I tapping on some of these things? Let me know. Give me some improvements, guys. i want to hear from you guys. I want the conversations happening. i want you guys to like, subscribe, and share it. You know it.
00:47:21
Tackles and Tinnies
It helps me get recognized. I really love doing this, but it when I get comments, particularly in those new likes and followers, it gives me more more motivation to post more content. And again, I'm going to try to get some boys on. I'm currently a school teacher, guys. I'm on school holidays, so I'm just pumping through these reviews. This is actually my full-time job at the moment. But again, guys, this the 7th of January. Next up will be the Sydney Roosters, which will be a fantastic review as well.
00:47:49
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, guys, chuck a follow. Tell our mate. Love you all. Appreciate you. Enjoy. i guess you're all back to work, suckers. let's See you guys.