NRL expansion outfit the Dolphins have missed out two mooted targets with Christian Welch and Pat Carrigan re-signing with Melbourne and Brisbane respectively.
Just days after being knocked back by Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, NRL expansion club the Dolphins have missed out on two more targets in Christian Welch and Pat Carrigan.
Melbourne forward Welch had long been viewed as ideal candidate to join the Dolphins ahead of their inaugural campaign in 2023.
Instead, the Queensland State of Origin front-rower has inked a three-year extenstion with the Storm, making it highly likely he could end his career as a one-club man.
Welch has made 117 appearances for the Storm since debuting in 2015, playing in three grand finals and winning the 2020 premiership.
“He was off contract at the end of 2022 and was a priority re-signing for us,” Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said.
“Although his career has had some setbacks, he has persevered and continued to grow and mature as a player on the field and as a leader of our club both on and off the field.”
Earlier on Thursday, Brisbane announced Carrigan had also chosen to stay at Red Hill despite interest from the Dolphins.
After Gold Coast star Fa’asuamaleaui signed a four-year extension at the Titans, Carrigan has also turned away from Wayne Bennett’s advances to commit to the Broncos until the end of the 2024 season.
The re-signings are the latest setbacks for the Dolphins’ recruiting since being awarded the NRL’s 17th licence in October despite the lure of veteran coach Bennett.
North Queensland outside back Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was another target who instead committed to the Cowboys until the end of 2023 in October.
It means unheralded hooker Harrison Graham is the lone signing for the Dolphins since their NRL expansion bid victory.
Bennett still has time to land some big recruitment blows ahead of the club’s inaugural season in 2023 with Storm duo Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith as well as Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga among the potential options.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Blake Green hasn’t played for them yet, he might spark a stampede.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Well you lose your hair you get more head.
Adam
Roar Guru
Yeah they're more than a year away still. Plenty of time to find a few
Rellum
Roar Guru
This is a bizarre narrative that has sprung up that Redcliffe can't attract players. What happens if they sign Smith and Ponga, what happens then, the press change tact and the Dolphins are THE destination.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I recon Bennett will put together a list of solid first graders who will do the job and put in that effort to build a team and club. Not do what the Murdoch press are desperate for him to do and sign some big names
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Looks like it may end up the Redcliffe Dolphins after all.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Antonio?
Greg
Roar Pro
Yep, still a very good defensive back rower but dont see him offering anything in attack. Again perfect timing by the Storm in moving a player on with the next star player (Howarth) just about ready for first grade.
Nat
Roar Guru
He'll be 31 by the time he laces a boot in Redcliffe. I reckon he is still pretty consistent but his best days are behind him. It is a classic Bennett signing, star but not superstar and probably on a value deal for his experience.
mushi
Roar Guru
As a roosters fan I have zero sympathy for Parra on that one
Greg
Roar Pro
he did also take his cheap shots to a new level last year against Parra
mushi
Roar Guru
The only growth we've seen from him the past couple of years was the bald spot.
Greg
Roar Pro
if ever there was a 'wont be good outside Melbourne' candidate its the ageing backrower who has been steadily declining since Cronk left.
Nat
Roar Guru
Beat me. Had to finish the damn coffee. :happy:
Nat
Roar Guru
Looks like Kaufusi is the first.
Adam
Roar Guru
Yep, he'll only sign in February.
Greg
Roar Pro
heard they got Kaufusi
mushi
Roar Guru
He want's to wait though and sign the contract just before the year starts so as not to disgrace the game!
Adam
Roar Guru
It's just such an unknown for players. They'll get a team, but it's looking more and more likely that they're going to have the QLD cup guys.
Adam
Roar Guru
He would be keen. But players would only ever be allowed to play for the Bears