Dolphins reach their inaugural finals series, but they aren’t satisfied yet ​By Chase Christensen

Image Credit: realestate.com.au  

For the first time in their short history, the Dolphins have reached the NRL finals. While simply making the top eight would have been a huge achievement a year ago, this Dolphins side has shown throughout 2026 that it wants to be more than just a participant in September.  

Their success has come from several areas, but perhaps the biggest difference has been something they have rarely had in previous seasons: a relatively healthy squad. After being hit by a mountain of injuries in their first few years, the Dolphins have finally managed to keep their key players on the field for most of 2026.  

No player has benefited more from that stability than halfback Isaiya Katoa.  

Katoa has been one of the standout players in the competition this season and has arguably been the Dolphins' best player almost every time he has taken the field. His control, decision-making and ability to create opportunities have been crucial to the way the Dolphins have played. At just 22, Katoa has also shown the composure needed to lead a side into its first finals campaign.  

The Dolphins' outside backs have also been among the best in the competition. Their wingers and centres have consistently found space and finished opportunities, but much of that success has started through the middle.  

The Dolphins' forward pack has dominated games through the middle of the field, giving their backs the platform to attack. When a forward pack is winning the battle in the middle, the job becomes much easier for the players outside them. The Dolphins have taken full advantage of that throughout the season.  

That balance between the forwards and outside backs has been one of the defining features of the Dolphins' 2026 campaign. They have developed a style of football that can put pressure on opponents in different areas of the field, rather than relying on one or two players to create everything.  

Their consistency was rewarded with a comfortable top four finish, giving the Dolphins an important advantage heading into the finals. Finishing inside the top four means the club has had a second chance available if needed, while a win in the opening week provides a valuable week off.  

For a club that only entered the NRL in 2023, reaching this position represents a significant step forward.  

The Dolphins' rise has also added another layer to rugby league in Brisbane. The club has quickly developed a strong following in its heartland, with areas such as Caxton Street becoming gathering points for supporters during the season.  

The rivalry for support in Brisbane has also become increasingly interesting. The Warriors have been one of the few visiting teams capable of matching or even surpassing the Broncos for support when coming to town, showing the size and passion of their travelling fanbase.  

The Warriors and Dolphins now have another chapter in their history after meeting in the finals, with the matchup bringing together two clubs that have built strong identities and passionate supporter bases.  

Regardless of how the finals campaign ultimately unfolds, the Dolphins' 2026 season has already changed the expectations around the club.  

Making the finals was once the long-term goal for a young expansion side. Now, it has become the starting point for something much bigger.  

The Dolphins have shown that they can compete with the established teams in the NRL, finish among the competition's best and produce players capable of performing on the biggest stage.  

They are no longer simply the new team in the competition.  

The Dolphins are now a finals team, and after the season they have produced, there is little reason to believe they will be satisfied with stopping there.