Concerning gulf keeping Dolphins from promised land

How can a team score more points than any club in the NRL yet still miss the finals?

That's the dilemma Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has to solve over the summer as the club prepares for its fourth season in the big league.

Woolf realises the answer to his problem is a simple one - but fixing it is another matter.

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"We know we need to be better defensively - it's been what we've had to build on for the last three years," he said.

"And when we find that, and we need to find that, we will start to see what we are capable of."

With the mercurial Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (22 tries from 21 games) leading the way, the Dolphins played a brilliant brand of attacking football all season long.

Woolf gave his team licence to play what they saw in front of them in attack and they worried every team in the NRL with their strike power.

But they conceded nearly 600 points in 24 rounds - far more than any of the teams that actually made the finals.

If they can work on the tackle bags over the summer, then a first finals appearance is well and truly in their reach next season.

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In the crafty Isaiya Katoa, who played every game in 2025, the Phins have a wonderful attacking spearhead capable of laying on tries for fun.

The backline bristles pace, with Jake Averillo, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Trai Fuller and Kodi Nikorima all noted tryscorers.

Injuries to the forwards cut the Dolphins deep during the season.

Marquee signing Tom Flegler (shoulder) didn't play a game, while Kenny Bromwich (2), Tom Gilbert (10), Max Plath (8) and Daniel Saifiti (8) all struggled for game time.

Somehow Woolf still managed to field a competitive pack most weeks, and with the under-rated Jeremy Marshall-King calling the shots from dummy half, the points kept ticking over.

In three seasons, the Dolphins have come a long way and Woolf showed in his first season as head coach that he has what it takes to lead the club to the finals promised land in years to come.

Best player: There's no better sight than The Hammer - Tabuai-Fidow - in full flight and he was superb at both centre and fullback. One of the most dangerous players in the game.

Biggest disappointment: So sad that Flegler - whose career remains in doubt - wasn't able to get onto the field. Hopefully the medicos can work on his shoulder and get him fit and raring to go for 2026.

Key signing: The enigmatic Selwyn Cobbo had his ups and downs in Brisbane, but his free-flowing running game should suit the Dolphins perfectly. If he gets his attitude right, he will thrive.

2026 gains: Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Brad Schneider (Panthers)

2026 losses: Josh Kerr (Dragons), Mark Nicholls (retired), Kenny Bromwich (retired)