Wayne Bennett has confirmed the Dolphins have five positions left in their roster for 2023 as the new NRL franchise continues negotiations with Brisbane fullback Tesi Niu.
Coach Bennett was at the helm of the club’s inaugural open training session attended by 600 fans on Wednesday.
With less than three months to the start of the NRL season, the Dolphins are keen to add strike power to their backline.
Bennett said it was unlikely any more players in the key halves positions would be signed for 2023 but Niu remains on his wishlist.
Niu has been given permission by the Broncos to negotiate with other clubs and Bennett confirmed the Dolphins were in discussion with the Tonga international.
“We just want quality players. That’s what we are looking for,” said Bennett.
“A couple of outside backs, and Tesi Niu is one of those guys who can help us there.
“He is like a number of other players out there we are negotiating with and talking to.”
The Dolphins have recruited Nathan Cleary’s former understudy Sean O’Sullivan from Penrith and Anthony Milford from Newcastle but Bennett warned both would have to earn the right to start – and stay – in the team.
“No one is guaranteed a position,” the coach said.
“We bought Sean because we believe he can be the halfback and Milford because we believe he can be the five-eighth.
“They have got to prove to me that they have earned that and that they have the ability to do that job. If they haven’t, we will make other decisions.”
Bennett said the only way to turn the Dolphins’ newly named Kayo Sports Stadium into a fortress was “by showing the fans we are a committed football team and doing the best for them”.
The players will train up until Christmas, have a break and return on January 4 for an eight-week block leading into the opening-round NRL clash against Sydney Roosters.
Bennett said the Dolphins would be “as ready as any other team in the competition” when the season kicks off.
“It will always come back to what they can do on the football field and that is the unknown here right now,” he said.
“We are not going to know that until March.”
Nat
Roar Guru
Aside from Isaako there is another guy Trai Fuller (25yo), he has been tearing it up at FB for Redcliffe for a few years and had a cracker last year (15tries, 12 t/a in 20 games). He is very much in the Barba mould. Agree Tesi would be good for depth but he about as close to starting there as he would be at Brisbane.
Gus O
Roar Rookie
Who do they have as a backup option for fullback if the Hammer is injured? Do they have a promising young fullback in their squad or development list? I think they have done well to have a bit of depth in the squad for their spine. Do you think that is why Bennett is looking at Niu?
Womblat
Guest
Hard to read. This is what happens when the NRL says "get in, we'll give you a lift" and then goes "by the way, you're on your own" before dropping them off outside city limits. Redcliffe have a proud 75 year history but this is a different beast. An extra Queensland team was always going to be a good thing but another whipping boy in a flash jersey won't stick. Ask the Chargers, Crushers, Rams or Reds. Jeez, I hope they get at least some decent support.
Malo
Guest
What a dud squad. Tigers or Dolphins for the spoon
Panthers
Guest
Said it before quite a few times. Still, Sione Katoa will be the permanent first grade halfback at the Dolphins, before the 2023 is completed. Mostly because he is way more talented than any other player at that club. He’s also going to be way better than Walker . :thumbup:
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Not having the spine of this new team sorted with any kind of recruitment priority has been one thing, but then rating Milford and Nui as quality players is all the more, making Bennett look like he has left his marbles behind somewhere back in the nursing home.
Nat
Roar Guru
Even in this team Tesi would be a depth player. He won’t displace Hammer at FB and they have decent centers lined up before they introduce the beast Te Whare. Niu has real talent but still some time off being an NRL starter.