Wayne Bennett has underlined his vision for the Dolphins’ new NRL team at a special Redcliffe sponsors breakfast this morning.
Bennett was a special guest at the Redcliffe Dolphins’ annual event held in the Chairman’s Room at the Leagues Club, and attended by sponsors of the club.
Bennett was joined onstage by Dolphins NRL chief executive Terry Reader, while new Redcliffe head coach Scott Murray also entertained.
Bennett spoke about his admiration for the history and facilities the Dolphins have built since their entry to the competition in 1947.
He also ensured attendees the Dolphins were very relaxed about their recruitment drive, that has included locking in internationals Felise Kaufusi and Jamayne Isaako as well as Eels’ lock Ray Stone for the 2023 entry to the NRL.
Reader recounted the Dolphins’ bid process and the moment he and chairman Bob Jones and group chief executive Tony Murphy were alerted by NRL head honcho Andrew Abdo that the Dolphins had won the franchise to be the 17th NRL franchise.
Scott Murray is overseeing his first year as head coach of the Dolphins’ state league team as they prepare for the newly-named Hostplus Cup.
Murray talked about the talent he will have on his hands after the signing of ex-NRL front rower and 2020 Queensland Origin prop Dunamis Lui, as well as the players that will be available through the Dolphins’ feeder club arrangement with the New Zealand Warriors.
The Dolphins will kick off their season with a home game against the Sunshine Coast Falcons on March 19.