Major coup, retention priorities and some luck: Why Dolphins’ breakthrough nears

Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader insists Kodi Nikorima still had a long-term future at the club, despite links connecting England halfback George Williams to a Redcliffe move.

As marquee centre Herbie Farnworth extended his contract to the end of 2027, Reader declared the NRL’s newest outfit were on the cusp of emerging as premiership contenders.

Farnworth’s retention takes him off the open market from November 1, prying him out of the grasp of the incoming Perth Bears.

Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth.Credit: NRL Photos

Reader suggested while there was a desire to keep the Englishman longer, the new broadcast deal beginning in 2028 would have salary cap ramifications for players to consider before cementing long-term intentions.

But it is the potential of Williams arriving from 2027 which has posed questions regarding Nikorima’s standing.

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While Reader did not deny the speculation, he stressed Nikorima – off contract in 2026 – remained part of their plans to clinch a maiden title.

“Absolutely, he’s a vital member of the squad and can play a number of different positions, and he’s been with us since day one,” Reader told this masthead.

“That’s not going to change, but like anything with the addition of Brad Schneider coming in as well, having competition for spots just makes our team be in a better position for the new season.

“There is a lot of talk, and we’ve got some spots left in 2027, so we’ll be talking to a number of players. No matter who comes in, having those competitions will only make the Dolphins a better team.”

Unlocking Katoa

Halfback Isaiya Katoa’s partnership with Nikorima had pundits salivating about his potential.

The Tongan halfback finished third in the Dally M Medal count after his side narrowly missed a maiden finals berth.

Injuries ultimately proved costly, as season-ending blows to leading forwards Daniel Saifiti, Tom Gilbert, Thomas Flegler and Max Plath limited Katoa’s capacity to play off the front foot.

But Reader declared Katoa was destined to become the face of the Dolphins well beyond the end of his 2028 contract.

“Without a doubt. You’ve seen what he’s done on the field, and despite the injury toll in our forwards he still did what he did,” Reader said.

“We’re certainly building a team around him. When you’re missing most of your middles, that has a fair impact on any team.

“If we can get all them on the field next year with the backline we’ve got, there’s a lot to be excited about.”

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The Broncos proved in lifting the 2025 premiership trophy how crucial a strong relationship between coach and halfback is to a title cause – Michael Maguire and Adam Reynolds continuing a rapport which delivered South Sydney their first piece of silverware in 43 years.

With Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf still leading Tonga for the forthcoming Pacific Championships, Reader sensed a similar dynamic was building.

“Woolfy brought Issy in, he did his HSC over in England when he was 18-years-old and made his debut as the Tongan halfback, and you’ve seen the faith Wayne [Bennett] and Woolfy had in him,” Reader said.

“Now it’s his team. We’ve seen what he can do running it this year, and that’s only going to be better for us.”

Addressing the slide, injuries and harsh luck

This campaign threatened to always be one of frustration for the Dolphins, as they were forced to relocate their season-opening home clash as Cyclone Alfred neared.

A four-game losing streak ultimately cost them, missing the finals by one win after they had regathered to become the competition’s most potent attacking side (721 points).

Yet despite at one stage putting 228 points on their rivals in a five-game stretch, the physical defence which helped rebuild their campaign went cold.

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In three-straight defeats, the Dolphins conceded 160 points. Even in their triumph of the Titans afterwards, they had 30 points put on them.

The engine room quartet who were sidelined long-term were joined by Jack Bostock in the casualty ward, while Kulikefu Finefiueaki, Felise Kaufusi and Connelly Lemuelu all missed extended periods.

Reader lamented the club would need a reversal of fortunes, but conceded a review was ongoing into how the club could improve the way their players were trained, rehabilitated and conditioned to mitigate injury risk.

“The biggest thing is we need a bit of luck, we haven’t had a hell of a lot of luck in the first three years. I’m not saying that or using that as an excuse, but we haven’t,” Reader said.

“We had ACLs, shoulders, things that you literally just are unlucky, and it wasn’t out time for those players. But football clubs review themselves every day, every week.

“We’re always looking at how we do things and everything to do with soft tissue or contact injuries, and how we train and the load.”

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