Dolphins prop Mark Nicholls has revealed his desire to play on beyond 2025, but admits his future would be dictated by the growth of the next generation of stars.
The 35-year-old, who will be off contract at season’s end, has formed part of the outfit’s inaugural leadership group since arriving at Redcliffe in 2023, and he believes he still has a role to fulfil in the red jersey.
He is joined by fellow forwards Felise Kaufusi, Josh Kerr and Kenny Bromwich without a deal in 2026.
Mark Nicholls believes he still has more in the tank.Credit: Getty
“I haven’t made a decision either way, [but] at this stage, I don’t really feel like I want to retire. But it’s a long year, so we’ll see how that plays out, and I think the club’s pretty comfortable with that as well,” Nicholls said.
“Obviously at my age, a serious injury or just the body can go, but at the moment, I’m still enjoying coming to training and competing.
“Playing footy is the fun part, I think, for a lot of people, they say they knew it was time when they sort of got sick of training, and I’m not at that point yet.
“We were pretty open and honest through the preseason that we’ll just see how the year plays out, and maybe halfway through the year have a chat.”
Nicholls admits his fate may be taken out of his hands as the Dolphins re-energise their pack.
Newcastle rookie Sebastian Su’a, who had already signed to join the club in 2026, has completed a mid-season player swap with Mason Teague, but will need to overcome a knee issue before being available for selection.
Francis Molo also joined fellow recruits Daniel Saifiti and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in Redcliffe after being released by the Dragons, while the Dolphins inaugural academy prospects have conducted preseasons with the squad.
“If the club feels there are some younger guys coming through who are ready to step up, I’m pretty content with how the career has gone. But by the same token, I’m still enjoying what I do and still love competing, so I guess I’d be silly to walk away from that,” Nicholls said.
“We have loved living in Redcliffe and the community and the club … so I’m not going anywhere any time soon.”
Kaufusi, 32, and Kerr, 29, appear most likely to earn extensions, however Bromwich has managed just 16 minutes of NRL action this season.
Who stays could depend on the Dolphins’ recruitment moves, however chief executive Terry Reader denied a changing of the guard was taking place.
The club has been linked to Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, while Tigers five-eighth Lachlan Galvin will leave Wests at the end of 2026 – when Dolphins No.6 Kodi Nikorima also comes off contract – and is expected to command lucrative offers.
As the Dolphins and partner Ausbuild announced a community partnership with This Story Australia – which will lead tributes to veterans at Friday’s clash with Melbourne ahead of the club’s away match in the ANZAC round – Reader said if Cherry-Evans wanted a Queensland move, they were “obviously going to talk to him”.
However, he was unwilling as yet to entertain Galvin moving to Redcliffe.
“I don’t think that’s something we’re involved in or have any comment to make. He’s on the market for ’27, it’s not really something the Dolphins are pursuing at this stage,” Reader said.
“Our focus is on the guys we’ve got, but there’s always room for improvement, so we never stop looking.”
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