A pair of Queensland greats are divided on whether Wayne Bennett’s bolstered Dolphins squad can crack the top eight in just their second season.
Corey Parker is backing star recruit Herbie Farnworth to lead the Dolphins to the finals, while Gorden Tallis believes they’re still a marquee man short of playing in September.
It took the Dolphins just 80 minutes into their competitive existence last season to silence their critics when they immediately proved they were the real deal.
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That was in the club’s inaugural match when they upset premiership fancies the Roosters after being told for 18 months they’d struggle to compete in the NRL.
Bennett’s men won their first three games in 2023 and sat fifth on the ladder after Round 10, all without a single superstar in their ranks.
A lack of depth saw them finish 13th, but they’ve since added some genuine star power in Broncos grand final duo Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler, plus Bulldogs speedster Jake Averillo.
“They’ve definitely now got the cattle to play finals,” Parker told foxsports.com.au.
“They showed last year when they were in the eight most of the season and it was only depth that saw them fade late, but they’ve recruited really well.
“So if they can turn up with the same attitude with that dog and that fight that they showed every single game last year, I’ve got no doubt they can make the top eight.
“They’ve got some really handy pickups in Herbie, Tommy and Averillo. Then Jeremy Marshall-King, who I thought flew well under the radar, was exceptional for them last year.
“They’ve had another 12 months together and another off-season will be really valuable for a young and new side. I give them a hell of a chance of making the top eight.”
Tallis wasn’t as convinced, but agreed with Parker’s assessment of Marshall-King .
“They’re probably still a marquee player short of playing finals,” Tallis told foxsports.com.au.
“You would think they could if they had a Cameron Munster or Harry Grant, even though Marshall-King was outstanding last year – he was probably their shining light.”
Tallis and Parker both agreed Dolphins star Tom Gilbert, who enjoyed a stellar 2023 season before injury ended it, would have a huge influence on where they finish in 2024.
“What a player he is, what a player,” Tallis said.
“It’s not talked about but I reckon the Cowboys really missed him. He just sets a standard like no other guy.
“He was second-fastest in their team time trial, he’s a leader on and off the field and one of those guys that just does everything so full on and that drives a standard.”
Parker echoed the sentiment.
“When you think about Tom Gilbert you think about determination, you think about desire, you think about spirit, passion,” Parker said.
“I thought at different stages last year we saw the influence he was able to throughout a game, if things weren’t going right, he would try and lift the team with just that raw emotion he shows.”
Here foxsports.com.au breaks down all the key factors for the Dolphins heading into the 2024 season.
STRENGTH
Middles
Between Flegler, Gilbert, Jesse Bromwich and Mark Nicholls the Dolphins have one of the best contingents of middle forwards in the NRL.
Flegler played a crucial role in the Broncos run to the grand final last year and the Maroons star was rewarded with a Kangaroos jersey in October.
Parker believes Flegler is now the complete player after getting the dirty stuff out of his game and said he can lead the Dolphins to the finals.
“Flegler brings a presence about him, there’s not too many players in the competition that have that air of intimidation,” Parker said.
“What I mean by that is, you’re just not quite sure what Fleggy is going to come up with, he could fly out of the line three wide and absolutely knock you senseless.
“But he’s been able to harness that and take some big steps forward because previously he’d just clean blokes up and spend 10 minutes in the bin and cost the team.
“But he’s a wonderful player, he’s aggressive, he’s got great leg speed, strong, big, so when you’re looking at their team and you look at the likes of the Bromwich boys and Nicholls, well Flegler brings something completely different and I think he’s a huge asset.
“His best football is still in front of him and he’s already an Australian and Queensland rep, he just brings that grit.”
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR
Herbie Farnworth
Farnworth enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 and was named in the Dally M Team of the Year after helping Brisbane charge into the grand final.
Farnworth scored 15 tries in 26 appearances last season and the 24-year-old Englishman will now partner young gun Jake Averillo in the centres.
“I’ve been a massive fan of Herbie for a long period of time, I think he’s arguably the best centre in the competition, which got shown last year,” Parker said.
“It’s what he’s able to do consistently but more importantly those little efforts in his game like his kick chase and his play-the-ball speed he can generate is one of the best in the game.
“So if you think about that play-the-ball-speed then Jeremy Marshall-King and the Hammer and these players around him that can really feed off the back of him.
“His best football is also still in front of him and he’s an international player, he’s a huge signing.”
WHO’S UNDER PRESSURE
Val te Whare
The Kiwi fan favourite burst onto the scene last year with a stellar debut in Magic Round when the young gun scored two tries in an upset win over the Sharks.
Te Whare played centre on debut but was next picked at lock, however defensive woes saw him struggle to nail down a regular starting spot.
The 23-year-old then showed up overweight to pre-season training this summer and Bennett banished him to boot camp.
Te Whare was forced to shed 10kgs before Bennett allowed him to return but the big man pulled it off and has vowed to make the most of his second chance.
THE RISING STAR
Isaiya Katoa
Katoa played 22 games in his debut NRL season last year and the five-eighth’s game is only trending in one direction.
Katoa scored two tries and set up another eight in his rookie campaign playing alongside several different halfbacks.
Bennett is a big believer in the 19-year-old’s potential and several trained eyes are backing Katoa to one day play Origin.
THE UNLUCKY ONE
Tesi Niu
The arrival of Farnworth and Averillo will likely push outside back Niu – who played 17 games for the club last season – out of the side.
Additionally, rookie Jack Bostock has reportedly won a starting spot on the wing which means Niu’s role this season will be reduced to injury cover.
Niu started his career at the Broncos and has played 49 NRL games at just 22, so he still has time on his side to become a regular in first-grade again.
PREDICTED FINISH: 11th
BEST 17
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Jake Averillo
5. Jack Bostock
6. Isaiya Katoa
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Ray Stone
15. Kenny Bromwich
16. Euan Aitken
17. Jarrod Wallace
SQUAD: Anthony Milford (2024), Connelly Lemuelu (2025), Edrick Lee (2024), Euan Aitken (2024), Felise Kaufusi (2025), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2027), Harrison Graham (2025), Herbie Farnworth (2026), Isaiya Katoa (2025), Jack Bostock (2025), Jake Averillo (2026), Jamayne Isaako (2026), Jarrod Wallace (2024), Jeremy Marshall-King (2025), Jesse Bromwich (2024), Josh Kerr (2025), Kenneath Bromwich (2025), Kodi Nikorima (2024), Mark Nicholls (2024, CO 2025), Mason Teague (2024, MO 2025), Oryn Keeley (2026), Ray Stone (2024), Robert Jennings (2024, MO 2025), Sean O’Sullivan (2025), Tesi Niu (2024), Thomas Flegler (2027) Tom Gilbert (2028), Valynce Te Whare (2024)
Development players: James Walsh (2024), Jeremiah Simbiken (2024, CO 2025), Kurt Donoghoe (2024), Max Plath (2025), Michael Waqa (2024, CO 2025), Ryan Jackson (2024, CO 2025)
GAINS: Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Thomas Flegler (Broncos), Jake Averillo (Bulldogs), Oryn Keeley (Knights)
LOSSES: Brenko Lee (released), Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC), Poasa Faamausili (Bulldogs), JJ Collins (unsigned)
COACH: Wayne Bennett (2025)
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