In a season marked by unexpected highs, the Dolphins charged into the NRL’s top four, spurred on by a strategic recruitment drive and the absence of sky-high expectations. However, their momentum faltered as they ultimately finished 10th, leaving fans to wonder if their sophomore year was a success or a missed opportunity.
Despite early predictions against their finals chances, the Dolphins initially defied expectations. Thanks to impressive new additions like Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler, and Jake Averillo, the team surged as high as the top four by Round 15 under the leadership of Wayne Bennett. Yet, as Bennett prepared to transition to the Rabbitohs, rumors swirled about his divided focus, and the team’s form suffered, with key injuries and a porous defense derailing their late-season push.
While the Dolphins fell short of September football, their 2024 campaign showed tangible progress. A 10th-place finish and an improved points tally compared to last season signal that the young club is trending upward. Rising stars like Isaiya Katoa and Max Plath give fans plenty of hope, though the team’s inexperience in tight matches exposed areas for growth.
Looking forward, new head coach Kristian Woolf faces the formidable challenge of escaping the so-called “Bennett curse” that has hindered many who followed the legendary coach. With the return of Tom Gilbert from injury and the arrival of players like Daniel Saifiti and Junior Tupou, the Dolphins will aim to keep building on their foundation. However, the true test will be overcoming the hurdles left in the wake of Bennett’s tenure and finally securing a place in the finals.