How a late bloomer and Origin great’s son can fix Dolphins’ depth woes

How a late bloomer and Origin great’s son can fix Dolphins’ depth woes

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has confirmed unheralded forward Aublix Tawha was in line for an NRL debut this year, as he seeks to ensure the club’s depth issues of yesteryear do not derail their quest for a maiden finals berth.

Woolf will field a close to full-strength side for the final Preseason Challenge hit out against the Titans on Saturday, with hooker Jeremy Marshall-King rested after his efforts for the Maori All Stars.

Tom Gilbert will make his return from a ruptured ACL which followed a dislocated shoulder, while Max Plath will play in the back row as Connelly Lemuelu eases back from shoulder surgery.

Tom Gilbert will play his first game since suffering a ruptured ACL in last year’s preseason trials.Credit: Shane Wenzlick/Getty

In the Dolphins’ two campaigns, the side was within striking distances of the top four, only for injuries and suspensions to expose their lack of depth – winning just seven of 24 games from round 13 across the 2023-24 seasons.

But the 23-year-old Tawha caught Woolf’s eye in his inaugural NRL preseason, and after a damaging display against North Queensland last week has been retained on Saturday’s extended bench.

And Woolf was adamant Tawha could turn his development deal into an NRL berth, with players on such contracts able to be called on from round 11 onwards.

“He’s athletic, he’s fit, he trains hard, he’s tough – he’s got a lot of things I really like,” Woolf said.

“We’ve been really impressed with him through the preseason, particularly given this is his first one he’s ever done at a club. They’re a challenge, they can be really difficult for your first one in particular, and he’s handled that great.

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“He’s got a long way to go and has a lot of work to do in the Queensland Cup, but he’s shown signs when we give him his opportunity in the NRL he’s going to handle that. I’m sure it will come up at some stage.”

The physicality shown by Tawha and his fellow fringe forwards against North Queensland painted a promising picture for the future, with veterans Mark Nicholls, Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi in the twilight of their careers.

It has opened the door for Academy product Michael Waqa – who scored against the Cowboys – and James Walsh (a try, 107 running metres, five tackle busts) with the chance to announce themselves as long-term leaders of the pack, along with livewire Josh Allen.

The son of Queensland Maroons great Gavin Allen shone against North Queensland – seen smiling broadly as he ran into contact en route to 153 running metres and 22 tackles for no misses.

The 23-year-old train and trialist was reportedly on the cusp of a Cowboys’ debut while aligned with the Northern Pride, before copping a suspension.

But Dolphins lock Ray Stone has seen the makings of a future NRL contender, with his own place in the game day 17 now under threat courtesy of the cohort of hopefuls.

“He’s been good. He trains hard, he works hard, and he is a big lad,” Stone said.

“You can’t win a game by 50 points if everyone is not doing their job. They all did what they trained to do, which was to go out and play a physical game and play hard and fast.

“All the middles set the tone for that. I think the older boys are very good at passing on their leadership skills to the younger boys.”

Ray Stone

“If they are here for a long time, the Dolphins will be good in a couple of years’ time as well.”

Dolphins vs Titans Preseason Challenge

DOLPHINS

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow; 2. Jamayne Isaako; 3. Jake Averillo; 4. Herbie Farnworth; 5. Jack Bostock; 6. Kodi Nikorima; 7. Isaiya Katoa; 8. Daniel Saifiti; 9. Kurt Donoghoe; 10. Felise Kaufusi (c); 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki; 12. Max Plath; 13. Tom Gilbert; 14. Junior Tupou; 15. Kenny Bromwich; 16. Mark Nicholls; 17. Ray Stone; 18. Max Feagai; 19. Josh Kerr; 20. Connelly Lemuelu; 21. Harrison Graham; 22. Sean O’Sullivan; 23. Aublix Tawha; 24. Tevita Naufahu; 25. LJ Nonu

TITANS

1. Jaylan De Groot; 2. Allan Fitzgibbon; 3. Jojo Fifita; 4. Phil Sami; 5. Tony Francis; 6. AJ Brimson; 7. Kieran Foran; 8. Moeaki Fotuaika; 9. Sam Verrills; 10. Jaimin Jolliffe; 11. David Fifita; 12. Beau Fermor; 13. Chris Randall; 14. Keano Kini; 15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c); 16. Brian Kelly; 17. Klese Haas; 18. Jayden Campbell; 19. Alofiana Khan-Pereira; 20. Josiah Pahulu; 21. Tom Weaver; 22. Brock Gray

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