Dolphins Mark Historic Season End with Dominant Victory over Raiders

Record-Breaking Finale for the Dolphins

The Dolphins have ended their 2025 season on a high note at Kayo Stadium, despite missing out on finals football after the Roosters secured eighth spot with their victory over Souths on Friday night. The team demonstrated remarkable resilience this season, overcoming a challenging 0-4 start to put themselves in finals contention.

Season Highlights and Achievements

The team’s impressive 62-24 victory over the Raiders in their final match marked their best finish since joining the NRL in 2023. The Dolphins have distinguished themselves as the competition’s best attacking team, with Jamayne Isaako maintaining his position as the leading pointscorer.

In a testament to their growing strength, the Dolphins managed to defeat three of the top four teams this season. The club has now achieved the milestone of recording wins against every team in the competition since their 2023 entry, including their largest-ever win when they defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons 56-6.

Leadership Transition and Team Development

The 2025 season marked a new era for the Dolphins under coach Kristian Woolf, who stepped up into the head coach role after serving as Wayne Bennett’s understudy. Woolf, fresh from guiding Tonga to the 2024 Pacific Cup final against Australia, has maintained consistency in the squad while managing significant changes.

Farewell to a Club Legend

The season’s end also marks the retirement of foundation player Mark Nicholls from the NRL. Nicholls, who will finish his career with 194 NRL appearances, built his reputation as a dependable forward who earned widespread respect. He featured in the 2021 NRL Grand Final with the Rabbitohs and has been a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ leadership team, bringing humility and honesty to the dressing room.

Looking Ahead

The club continues to build for the future, having secured playmaker Brad Schneider on a one-year deal for the 2026 season. Additionally, veteran forward Felise Kaufusi has committed to the team with a new two-year contract through to the end of 2027. Kaufusi, who made history as the Dolphins’ first-ever signing back in 2022, has played 48 games for the club after a decorated career at the Storm that included two premierships.