Who Have The NRL Dolphins Franchise Signed So Far?

Signings as at Saturday February 5, 2022.

Redcliffe Dolphins head coach Wayne Bennett hasn’t been able to draw in the major names the team was expecting, but he has brought in some promising talent for their inaugural 2023 season.

The list is slowly growing for the Dolphins and with free agency still in the mix, there is a chance for some more big names to make their way into the red and white. 

Kalyn Ponga is apparently at the top of the Dolphins’ list, and they are heavily pursuing him ahead of their debut season.

Yet while the Dolphins are still trying to lure away players from the other 16 NRL clubs, here is who they have signed so far.

Related: 2023 Squads and Player Movements

Dolphins Signings

Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm)

The first big pick up for the Dolphins was Melbourne Storm second-rower Felise Kaufusi, who signed a three-year deal with the club.

The 29-year-old made his NRL debut in 2015 with the Storm, and since then has gone on to represent Queensland in all three State of Origin games in 2019.

Kaufusi has 152 appearances and 26 tries across his career, entering his eighth season for the Storm.

Ray Stone (Parramatta Eels)

Another hard hitter the Dolphins have lured to their squad is 24-year-old lock Ray Stone, who has signed a two-year deal from their inaugural season.

Stone made his NRL debut in 2018 and has played in 28 matches, including two finals appearances for Parramatta.

He’s scored two career tries as he heads into his fifth year in the NRL. 

Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm)

The Dolphins have stolen a veteran from the Storm in 32-year-old veteran prop Jesse Bromwich, who has signed a two-year deal with the club.

Definitely the most experienced and accomplished signing so far, Bromwich was awarded Dally M Prop of the year in 2016.

Making his debut in 2010, Bromwich has won three premierships throughout his career with the Storm in 2012, 2017, and 2020. 

With 272 NRL games and 31 tries under his belt, Bromwich is believed to be the front runner for the Dolphins first captain. 

Kenny Bromwich (Melbourne Storm)

Following in his brothers’ footsteps, the most recent signing for the Dolphins is Storm second-rower Kenny Bromwich, who has signed on for a three-year deal.

Completing the set of the Bromwich brothers and reuniting with teammate Felise Kaufusi, the Dolphins are starting to put the pieces together.

Bromwich made his NRL debut in 2013 and has 192 appearances and 25 tries in total for his career, heading into his tenth season in the league. 

Mark Nicholls (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

After being released by the Rabbitohs prop Mark Nicholls has signed a two-year deal to join the Dolphins after the 2022 season.

Nicholls made his NRL debut in 2012 with the Canberra Raiders and since then has made 110 appearances and scored 6 tries in his career with three different clubs.  

Having played for the Raiders, Storm, and Rabbitohs, Nicholls will be heading into his tenth year in the league before going up north.

Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane Broncos)

2018 Dally M Rookie of the year fullback Jamayne Isaako has signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins after a short time with the Broncos.

Making his NRL debut in 2017 for the Broncos, Isaako has 76 appearances and 24 tries scored for his career.

Known as a speedy fullback or winger, Isaako could be a vital piece for the Dolphins offence heading forward.

Isaako will be heading into his sixth season, making him one of the most inexperienced players on the squad. 

Young Guns of the Dolphins

While the Dolphins have gained some talent from across the pool of the NRL, they have also signed some young players for Bennett to shape.

Five-eighth Michael Roberts and hooker Harrison Graham have both made names for themselves in the Queensland Rugby League scene and will both be on developmental contracts.

While outside back Valynce Te Whare is code swapping from Rugby Union to League. He made his debut in 2019 for New Zealand’s Rugby Union Championship and is regarded as a scoring machine.

Roberts is the younger brother of Wests Tigers Centre James Roberts and nephew of former Sydney Rooster Amos Roberts.