Question marks surrounded the Dolphins coming into their debut NRL season — but for Nicho Hynes, there were never any doubts they were going to hit the ground running.
Hynes’ Sharks face Wayne Bennett’s side in Magic Round and the NRL newcomers currently sit 5-4, beating 2022 finalists the Roosters and Raiders along the way.
Rugby league pundits were scathing of the Dolphins’ recruitment after failing to secure a big-name marquee player with a clean salary cap to work with.
Watch every game of NRL’s Magic Round LIVE in HD, with no ad-breaks during play on Fox League, available on Foxtel and Kayo >
Doubts were also raised over the Dolphins’ ability to compete in the NRL, but for Hynes it was no surprise to see the 17th franchise emerge as finals contenders.
“I am not surprised at all, a lot of my ex-teammates from the Storm, Kenny (Bromwich), Jesse (Bromwich) and Felise (Kaufusi) went there,” Hynes told foxsports.com.au.
“They are all leaders and they didn’t lose many games of football down in Melbourne so they were always going to take that winning culture to the Dolphins.
“They brought in some good players, and their head coach, he’s a legend of the game and he knows how to build a roster and build a club.
‘Change the subject or I just move on’ | 01:08
MORE NRL NEWS
REPORT CARD: Every team graded, their standout star and biggest issue to address
‘PANICKING’: Dragons coach defends controversial handling of brutal axing
‘CHANGE THE SUBJECT’: Wayne’s walkout threat in Magic Round presser
‘WORRY ABOUT YOUR CLUB’: Knights hit back as NRL say they won’t muzzle Gus
“He knows how to win games of football.”
The Dolphins missed out on a long list of names including Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Jahrome Hughes, Reece Walsh, Harry Grant and Jack Wighton.
But still, the master coach was able to orchestrate a record-breaking comeback victory over the Titans, reeling in a 26-0 halftime deficit.
Under Bennett, savvy recruit Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is playing career-best football and Felise Kaufusi’s reputation as an enforcer has only grown.
Meanwhile, young gun Isaiya Katoa has delivered in the halves and lock Tom Gilbert has proven himself as one of the game’s toughest forwards.
Griffin talks dropping Zac Lomax | 01:44
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
As a fan of rugby league and one of the NRL’s elite players, Hynes believes “you have got to take your hat off” to the Dolphins.
“There’s no doubt in my mind they were going to go well,” Hynes said.
“I don’t think they warranted some of the press they were receiving in the off-season about how they won’t go well and will win the wooden spoon.
“Being a rugby league (fan) looking on, I am just really proud of what they’ve done and you know, they showed everyone up pretty quickly.
“You have got to take your hat off to them.”
