Coach’s Corner: Jon Tavinor

As season 2026 draws closer, the coaches of the Redcliffe Dolphins’ Hostplus Cup, BRL and junior representative teams will share insight into their squads and expectations for the year ahead.

In this edition of Coach’s Corner, Cyril Connell Cup coach Jon Tavinor talks about his debut season in the role and what he’s expecting to learn in a “pressure cooker” environment.

Coaching history

Jon has coached across many sides and age levels, including at Wests Mitchelton, Wests Brisbane Panthers and Samford Stags. From Under 13s to reserve grade in the Brisbane Rugby League – as well as some stints at Padua College – Jon has worked his way through the ranks over the past three years, and last season landed himself the job as assistant coach for the Redcliffe Dolphins Cyril Connell Cup team. This year he takes over the reins as head coach.

How are you feeling ahead of the 2026 season?

Very excited for the season. I’ve got a real good bunch of kids coming through. They listen, they’re willing to learn, they’re great people – very respectful – which is awesome. I have a great coaching staff behind me who hold similar values. We’re not just coaches coaching the x’s and o’s, but we’re looking to have a deeper connection to the players and role model and demonstrate behaviours that are socially acceptable in the community.

How is the squad shaping up?

We’re going really good. We had a few players turn up injured and got a few more (injuries) through the pre-season, which changed the dynamics around the selection process and what the team would look like. But we’ve finalised the squad after the trials and we’re ready to go.

What are your goals for the team this year?

Every year I like to win the competition. That’s first and foremost, we’re here to win. As a coach, I want to develop my own understanding. I’m focusing on planning and athlete development this year. It’s about being able to incorporate the development into the planning so we’re not overworking anyone and we’re touching on the foundation skills, and being able to back my ability to make those pivots along the way. That’s my biggest focus as a coach.

What is your coaching philosophy?

My coaching philosophy is good people make good footballers.

What do you personally hope to get out of the year ahead?

Just to really put myself in the pressure cooker. In previous competitions I’ve coached, especially in the senior grades around that BRL level, if you can get a few experienced players, they can drive your team. Here they’re all the same age, everyone has that same level of player scattered throughout. So it’s about being able to bridge that gap and to allow the team to get the most out of the season and bring it all together.

Round 1 of the Cyril Connell Cup will kick off this weekend, with the Redcliffe Dolphins taking on the Sunshine Coast Falcons on Saturday February 7.

The Dolphins’ first home game will be played on Saturday February 14 against the Norths Devils.

See the full draw here.