2026 Dolphins NRL Depth Chart and Predicted Team

2026 Dolphins Predicted Round 1 Team

The Dolphins have assembled their best squad in their short history in the NRL.

Their backline is stacked. Jake Averillo is the only player in their expected starting line-up to not play representative footy at state or international level.

Trai Fuller will be pressing for a spot at fullback, but for the time being, it seems sensible for the Dolphins to stick with a similar backline that produced the most points from any club in the regular season last year.

That means keeping Jake Averillo at right centre, and adding Selwyn Cobbo to that potent left edge. Herbie Farnworth hinted Cobbo’s move to left wing in a preseason interview (via AAP)

No changes expected in the halves, despite the signing of Brad Schneider. However, there will be one change in the spine with hooker Jeremy Marshall-King out for at least the first month with a knee injury.

Kurt Donoghoe has been training at 9 since JMK’s injury, whilst Schneider and young gun John Fineanganofo are depth options if more injuries occur.

Tom Flegler could push for a starting spot in a hotly contested race in the front row alongside Felise Kaufusi, Daniel Saifiti, and Francis Molo.

Meanwhile reports out of Redcliffe has Morgan Knowles ahead of Tom Gilbert for the starting lock position. Knowles is a 200+ game veteran of the Super League, winning 4 comps and being named Lock of the Year in 5 of the last 7 seasons.

Fullback: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Left Wing: Selwyn Cobbo
Left Centre: Herbie Farnworth
Right Centre: Jake Averillo
Right Wing: Jamayne Isaako
Left Half: Kodi Nikorima
Right Half: Isaiya Katoa
Prop: Tom Flegler
Hooker: Kurt Donoghoe
Prop: Daniel Saifiti
Left 2nd Row: Oryn Keeley
Right 2nd Row: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Lock: Morgan Knowles

Bench: Brad Schneider
Bench: Connelly Lemuelu
Bench: Francis Molo
Bench: Tom Gilbert

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2026 Dolphins NRL Squad

Brad Schneider, Brian Pouniu, Connelly Lemuelu, Daniel Saifiti, Elijah Rasmussen, Felise Kaufusi, Francis Molo, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, Isaiya Katoa, Jack Bostock, Jake Averillo, Jamayne Isaako, Jeremy Marshall-King, Kodi Nikorima, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Kurt Donoghoe, LJ Nonu, Max Plath, Morgan Knowles, Oryn Keeley, Ray Stone, Sebastian Su'a, Selwyn Cobbo, Tevita Naufahu, Thomas Flegler, Tom Gilbert, Trai Fuller

*Last updated 22 Jan 2026

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2026 Dolphins NRL Transfers

2026 gains: 

Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Brad Schneider (Panthers)

2026 losses: 

Josh Kerr (Dragons), Mark Nicholls (retired), Kenny Bromwich (retired), Harrison Graham (Knights), Max Feagai (Titans), Aublix Tawha (Broncos), James Walsh (Cowboys), Sean O'Sullivan (Bulldogs), Ryan Jackson (released)

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2026 Dolphins NRL Depth Chart

Key: O = OUT, ID = In Doubt, SUSP = Suspended

*Last updated 22 Jan 2026

The Dolphins have had injuries derail their chances at a top 8 finish in basically every NRL season they’ve played in. So it is good to see they have stocked up in their depth with a mix of old and young heads.

Their fullback rotation is top class: Tabuai-Fidow, Fuller, Cobbo and Averillo are all capable of picking up where their predecessor left off.

Selwyn Cobbo can also cover wing and centre, the former is where I believe he will start whilst Jack Bostock is out.

Jake Averillo can cover anywhere in the backline, including five-eighth. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won the #14 spot is back when Bostock returns too.

Speaking of the halves, if Kodi Nikorima or Isaiya Katoa goes down, the club picked up Brad Schneider who has been getting decent game time at the Panthers the last two seasons.

Kurt Donoghoe is another handy utility, who plays in the halves for Fiji but also has slotted in hooker and lock for the Phins throughout the past few seasons. With Marshall-King and Max Plath injured, he will be the #9 to start the year.

The Dolphins have plenty of depth in the middle. Francis Molo came to the club as injury cover for Daniel Saifiti. However, the latter’s return this year sees Tom Flegler, Tom Gilbert, Felise Kaufusi and Ray Stone all battling for spots in the team.

On the edge, Oryn Keeley and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki were the regular starters, despite Connolly Lemuelu top scoring for the forwards last season with 9 tries. For me, Lemuelu’s best position is off the bench, in fact he’s gone 19 games without a try when starting.