More than a trial clash looms for the Dolphins, with their forthcoming contest to provide an insight into what the future holds for the men hopeful of becoming the club’s long-term enforcers.
Ryan Jackson and Michael Waqa will get their opportunity to prove they had the tools to one-day replace an ageing forward pack, and force their way into a 2025 NRL debut when they take on the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday.
Mark Nicholls (35), Felise Kaufusi (32) and Kenny Bromwich (33) are off contract this year, marquee prop Thomas Flegler is not expected to return from nerve damage in his shoulder until mid-year at the earliest and Jesse Bromwich has retired.
Ryan Jackson celebrates scoring for the Redcliffe Dolphins.Credit: NRL Photos
Jackson in particular has served his apprenticeship – managing 34 games for Redcliffe and the Capras across three seasons, averaging 70 running metres and 15 tackles an outing.
Waqa, meanwhile, has shown his impact potential – impressing in a 42-minute stint off the bench against the Papua New Guinea Hunters with 137 metres and five tackle busts, while he missed just two tackles from 47 attempts in his three appearances last year.
“Their future … it’s hard for me to answer, I haven’t seen those guys play much, and they’re still young forwards. Forwards a lot of them time, especially front rowers, don’t mature until their mid-20s,” Dolphins assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn said.
“But the same thing for them is what I want to see from the whole team – the stuff they’ve been doing out on the field here and how hard they’ve been working, and producing it on the field.
“If they do that, then I’m sure they’ll get more opportunities over the next few weeks, and then hopefully push their way into an opportunity in the season.
“They’ve worked really hard in any area we’ve asked of them. Anything we’ve specifically asked them to do – whether that’s in conditioning, skills, on the mats in the gym – they’re putting their best foot forward.
Michael Waqa in action for the Queensland Maroons under-19s side.Credit: NRL Photos
“There’s not much more you can ask from them in the preseason, it’s time for them to go and get it done on the field.”
Neither Jackson nor Waqa can expect shock call-ups in the early rounds of the season, but Flegler’s prognosis could accelerate that development should further injuries hit the club.
Kostjasyn confirmed there had been no changes in Flegler’s condition other than “his rehab is going well, but no defined return to play”.
Dolphins prop Nicholls also revealed late last month the Queensland Maroons star was preparing to consult his surgeon to receive an update on his condition.
And Reader stressed they were not considering seeking financial relief at this stage to replace him.
“Our biggest focus at the moment is what’s going on with getting Fleg back on the field and his rehab and recovery, so we’re not quite at that point yet,” Reader added.
“We’ll be giving Fleggy every possible chance to get on the field. It’s not something new, this is something that happened in round four last year, so once we get to the 12 months where he hasn’t played football you can look at things a bit different there.
“But what we’re focused on is working with Tom on his rehab and giving him every opportunity to hopefully recover and get on the field for us.”
