“He had a couple of disappointments last year when he was halfway there, so it would’ve been hard for him. But it’s just good to see him back out there putting in for the team, we’ve missed him.”
Recruits find their mojo
While the result did not go their way, the Dolphins can take solace in the fact their main recruits all look tailor-made for the big stage.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki arrived in Redcliffe having been stuck behind Cowboys edge forwards Heilum Luki and Jeremiah Nanai and made an immediate impact as a starter in his new colours.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki was a powerhouse before leaving for a HIA in his Dolphins’ debut.Credit: NRL Photos
The 21-year-old was a constant threat on the right side until leaving the field for a HIA, finishing with 125 running metres, five tackle busts and 23 tackles in a 54-minute stint.
Should this form persevere, a State of Origin debut could beckon, given Queensland’s rotation of Kurt Capewell, Jaydn Su’A and Jeremiah Nanai failed to truly threaten New South Wales throughout last year’s series.
Fellow incoming forward Daniel Saifiti overcame head injury assessment to run for 159 metres and four tackle busts, while making 24 tackles.
“He’s been exceptional for us, he’s a very good bloke to have in your group, he’s worked very hard, and I thought he was one of our best tonight.”
Kristian Woolf on Daniel Saifiti
Fullback battle takes centre stage
If Friday night was anything to go by, Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow needs to get himself more involved in his side’s attack.
The Dolphins defeat to the Rabbitohs highlighted the need for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to remain an influence for the entire 80 minutes.Credit: NRL Photos
When the Maroons ace got a sniff he looked threatening, going on to finish with 216 running metres, 10 tackle busts, two linebreak assists and a try assist.
Many of his more clinical involvements came in the second half, when the Dolphins got on a roll and scored back-to-back tries to clinch the lead back from South Sydney.
As the NRL’s newest outfit, the Dolphins need their stars to set the tone for the full 80 minutes, and Tabuai-Fidow showed if he can capture his best across a game they will prove a hard team to beat.
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‘The Hammer’s’ exploits created an engaging battle with rising star Jye Gray, whose carries through the middle and willingness to punch above his weight was eye-catching.
Stepping into the void left by the injured Latrell Mitchell (hamstring) – who was joined on the sidelines by inspirational skipper Cameron Murray (Achilles) – Gray showed his courage in charging for 216 metres while coming up with a try assist.
Gilbert’s return shows promise
Tom Gilbert had not been sighted in the NRL since before the opening State of Origin clash of 2023, during which he suffered a dislocated shoulder, before returning in the 2024 preseason trials and rupturing his ACL.
It has been a long wait for the Dolphins’ new captain, but the powerhouse lock did not disappoint when he at last got his chance.
Tom Gilbert made his return for the Dolphins against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.Credit: NRL Photos
Gilbert may not have packed his past punch with ball in hand – running for 91 metres from 11 carries – but his defensive workload was enormous in a 57-minute performance.
The 24-year-old made an astonishing 59 tackles, regularly seen coming into any contest as a supporting defender while putting in a few trademark big hits of his own.
“I thought he played like Tom does: he played with plenty of effort and passion, he led from the front with those things. He hasn’t played footy for 18 months so he’s going to get better with every performance.”
Kristian Woolf
