While the remnants of end-of-season matches are still fresh in our minds, now it’s time to turn our attention to the upcoming 2025 season. What will the Dolphins have in store for their growing league of fans after showing even more promising signs in 2024?
A new head coach and new recruits are already in the mix. The Dolphins farewelled Wayne Bennett after his time at the helm came to an end and warmly welcome Kristian Woolf into the head coach role. New recruits Daniel Saifiti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Max Feagai have also been officially welcomed into the Dolphins' ranks.
Dolphins’ CEO Terry Reader said the club's future under head coach Kristian Woolf was extremely bright and certainly exciting for members and fans, especially with the addition of new assistant coaches Rory Kostjaysn and Ben Woolf.
“Along with coaching changes, we are also adding to the player group with the experience of New South Wales representative Daniel Saifiti, plus Junior Tupou and Max Feagai,” Reader said.
Daniel Saifiti has signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins after 183 games at the Newcastle Knights. He has also played seven origin games for New South Wales and previously represented Fiji at test level. Reader said 28-year-old Saifiti was a perfect fit for the club as they aimed for another year of improvement in their third season in the NRL.
"We are very eager to see what Daniel Saifiti is going to bring to our club," Reader said. "It is probably impossible to replace someone who has had the amazing career of Jesse Bromwich, but we know we have done extremely well in bringing in Daniel to add to our depth. “He is a representative player, he is tough, aggressive and a hard worker - all the things the Dolphins pride themselves on being. "We can't wait to see him in our colours next year and are excited about what he will add to our already formidable forward pack."
The signing of Dragons' outside back Max Feagai on a two-year deal will add a bit of youth to the Dolphins in 2025. At just 23 years of age, Feagai has just had his best year in the NRL, playing the entire second half of the season for the Dragons.
Born in New Zealand, Feagai moved to southern NSW as a child and played junior league in Leeton. He was scouted by the Dragons and impressed as a junior, representing NSW under-18s in 2019. That year, he also made the Australian Schoolboys team and then progressed to his NRL debut the very next season.
He will now join an exciting outside back list that already includes Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, Jamayne Isaako, Jack Bostock and Trai Fuller.
Reader said Feagai would provide increased competition for spots as the club's roster showed signs of maturing.
"Max is just the kind of recruit we are looking for to add depth and youth to our squad," Reader said. “He has been a representative player through his junior career and with 23 matches behind him now he has proved he is a true NRL player. Importantly, this year he played the most NRL games of any year in his career. "So what is most exciting is that we know his best football is just ahead of him."
Memberships for the 2025 season are also officially open at the club. In 2024, the Dolphins surpassed their inaugural membership figure, with more than 35,000 passionate members—a milestone that placed the NRL’s newest team among the league's top four clubs for membership in its second year.
Renewals for the 2025 season began for existing members in October and the general public can also secure their seat in 2025 by purchasing either a nine-game membership package for Suncorp Stadium or an 11-game package, which includes two games at the Dolphins' home on the Peninsula, Kayo Stadium.
“Memberships are already tracking ahead of this time last year and with an additional game at Suncorp Stadium this season, we are giving more members more opportunities to be at our games,” Reader said.”
For fans looking for more flexibility, partial season memberships—including the popular Battle for Brisbane package—will be available closer to the season’s kick-off.
For further information about membership packages, visit https://membership.dolphinsnrl.com.au
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