In a significant coup for the Dolphins, the up-and-coming NRL side has secured the signature of powerhouse prop Daniel Saifiti, signaling the start of their post-Wayne Bennett era. The 28-year-old, a mainstay of the Newcastle Knights' forward pack for nearly a decade, will make the move north to Redcliffe ahead of the 2025 season.
The Dolphins, in a crucial transitional phase as they gear up for life without veteran coach Bennett, are looking to build on a solid foundation as they continue to strengthen their roster. Saifiti's acquisition is a testament to their ambitions, as the club seeks to add proven talent to a squad that has shown promise but is yet to break into finals contention.
Key Signing for a New Era
Saifiti’s arrival at the Dolphins is no small move. The towering prop has been a fixture in the Newcastle Knights’ front row for nine seasons, where his consistency and physicality made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of their setup. His inclusion in the Dolphins' forward pack is expected to bring much-needed experience and leadership as they chart a new course under incoming coach Kristian Woolf.
Woolf, who has been tasked with taking over from Bennett, was a former assistant coach at Newcastle and knows Saifiti's strengths intimately. His influence was pivotal in bringing the seven-time State of Origin representative to Redcliffe. Woolf clearly sees Saifiti as a cornerstone of the Dolphins' future, both on and off the field.
"Daniel is a player who embodies everything we want to build here at the Dolphins," Woolf said in a statement. "He is a hard worker, he’s tough, and his experience at the highest level will be invaluable to our squad as we look to take that next step in our development."
Saifiti's track record speaks for itself. A seven-time State of Origin player for New South Wales between 2019 and 2021, he has proven himself at the highest levels of the game. Known for his rugged style of play, strong defense, and ability to gain hard meters up the middle, Saifiti is set to bring grit and power to a Dolphins pack already packed with potential.
Filling Big Shoes
The signing of Saifiti also comes at a crucial time for the Dolphins, who face the daunting task of replacing club captain and NRL stalwart Jesse Bromwich. Bromwich, a key figure in the team’s foundation, will retire at the end of the 2024 season, leaving a significant hole in the Dolphins' leadership group and front-row rotation.
In announcing the signing, Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader made no secret of the importance of landing Saifiti as the club looks to fill the void left by Bromwich.
"We are very eager to see what Daniel Saifiti is going to bring to our club," Reader said. "It is probably impossible to replace someone who has had the amazing career of Jesse Bromwich, but we know we have done extremely well in bringing in Daniel to add to our depth.
"He is a representative player, he is tough, aggressive, and a hard worker - all the things the Dolphins pride themselves on being."
Reader’s comments highlight the Dolphins’ strategic planning as they look to balance their squad’s mix of youth and experience. While Bromwich’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Dolphins, the recruitment of Saifiti is a clear signal that the club is focused on building a new identity under Woolf.
Aiming for Finals Football
Despite an encouraging start to their NRL journey, the Dolphins are still searching for their first finals appearance. The 2024 season saw them come agonizingly close, only to miss out on the top eight after a win-and-in scenario against Saifiti’s former side, the Newcastle Knights, in the final round. The addition of Saifiti, alongside other targeted signings, is expected to strengthen the squad’s competitiveness moving forward.
Saifiti’s arrival is not just about plugging gaps in the team; it is about setting a tone for what the Dolphins want to become—a club that competes at the highest level and is built on a foundation of toughness, work ethic, and ambition. His experience in high-stakes games, such as State of Origin and the Knights’ 2023 finals run, will be crucial as the Dolphins look to take the next step.
Building a Formidable Pack
With Saifiti in the fold, the Dolphins’ forward pack is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in the league. His combination of size, strength, and skill will complement the already impressive roster of forwards, giving the team a significant boost in their middle-third dominance. The Dolphins' ability to recruit players of Saifiti’s caliber shows they are not just content with being competitive—they want to be a force in the NRL.
As the Dolphins continue to evolve, the recruitment of experienced, battle-hardened players like Saifiti shows that they are serious about building for sustained success. With a talented young coach in Woolf at the helm, the club’s future looks bright. All eyes will be on how the team performs in 2025, with Saifiti expected to play a leading role in what the Dolphins hope will be their breakthrough season.
Saifiti’s signing is more than just a move to replace outgoing stars—it represents a shift towards a new era for the Dolphins, one where they are not just hopeful contenders but genuine competitors.
English (United States) ·