Dolphins NRL

A new era begins for the Dolphins under coach Kristian Woolf, who steps up into the head coach role after spending the past two seasons as understudy to Wayne Bennett.

Woolf - who most recently helped guide Tonga to the 2024 Pacific Cup final against Australia - has maintained a fairly consistent squad, but will have to contend with a considerable loss of experience, especially in the forwards.

Inaugural captain Jesse Bromwich has retired, taking with him 338 games of NRL experience in the front row, while Tevita Pangai jr, who was signed at the back end of the season and played nine games, has linked up with Catalans Dragons.

Although it remains to be seen if and when Thomas Flegler will return to the field after damaging a nerve in his shoulder, Woolf is expecting to have Tom Gilbert back in his pack to start the season, while the experienced Daniel Saifiti and emerging Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also join the squad.

However, the team's backline looks locked in given their strong performances during their 2024 season with the likes of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako and Herbie Farnworth finishing the year with strong performances in the international arena.