Depth, defence and durability shaping Redcliffe hopes.
There’s a different kind of buzz around Redcliffe this year.
After climbing steadily since entering the NRL, the Dolphins head into 2026 with belief building across the peninsula that this could finally be the season the club plays finals football.
Last year proved they can light up the competition. The Dolphins finished with the best attacking record in the NRL, scoring 721 points. But the story of the season wasn’t just about points — it was about what happened when bodies started to fall.
As injuries mounted, depth was tested, combinations were disrupted and defensive resilience wavered. By the final stretch, a squad that looked electric in attack struggled to hold teams out, finishing just outside the eight.
That’s why the biggest conversation locally isn’t just about talent — it’s about staying healthy.
Selection Headaches — the Good Kind
Coach Kristian Woolf now faces a problem every club wants: genuine competition for spots.
Even exciting players like Trai Fuller find themselves in a squeeze for regular game time, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow expected to start at fullback and elite strike across the backline including Herbie Farnworth, Jamayne Isaako and new recruit Selwyn Cobbo.
Cobbo’s arrival adds athleticism and unpredictability out wide. The Queensland Origin representative is known for his explosive running and aerial ability, giving the Dolphins another attacking weapon — but also intensifying selection pressure.
New Utility Brad Schneider, arriving from Penrith, brings valuable systems experience from a club renowned for structure and discipline. His presence adds depth in the halves and reinforces the defensive standards Woolf wants to see.
Lessons from Last Year
Supporters haven’t forgotten how 2025 unfolded. Injuries to key forwards and backs forced constant reshuffles. Captain Tom Gilbert’s season was cut short, Max Plath’s ACL injury hurt the middle rotation, and Tom Flegler’s shoulder issues kept him sidelined for extended periods.
Fans across local forums have echoed a similar theme: if the forwards stay healthy and new signings hit form, this side can compete with anyone. Others believe a fully fit squad could even challenge for a top-four finish.
There’s optimism — but it’s grounded in realism.
Defence and Durability
The Dolphins know their attack is potent. Pre-season focus has centred on fitness, defensive effort and consistency — the areas that tend to slip when fatigue and injuries bite.
A long NRL season demands more than flair. It demands resilience.
And in a sport as physical as rugby league, durability can be as decisive as skill.
Redcliffe lives and breathes rugby league. From Dolphins NRL to junior footy on local fields, the region understands how demanding the game can be.
That’s why so many people around the community talk about staying injury-free just as much as big plays and tries. Jack, a trainer with a Redcliffe First Aid Course Provider, says ”We’re excited to see how they go this season — and hoping everyone stays injury free. It will be some exciting footy if everyone can stay fit.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The Dolphins’ progression has been steady: 13th, 10th, then ninth. The talent is there. The depth is stronger. The systems are improving.
If the squad can maintain fitness and defensive consistency through the grind of the season, the Redcliffe faithful may finally see September football become a reality.
For now, excitement is high — and the hope across the peninsula is simple:
Let the football do the talking.
And let the injury list stay short.
