The Dolphins were electric in attack under Kristian Woolf as they looked like they would qualify for the NRL finals for the first time in the club's young history.
However, the Phins fell apart at the business end of the campaign as a mounting injury toll ultimately came back to bite them.
There were initial fears that Woolf would be unable to replicate the sucess Wayne Bennett brought to the franchise, but the coach proved he was the right man to lead the Dolphins as they eye a finals appearance in 2026.
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Dolphins predicted team list for Round 1
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Francis Molo
11. Tom Gilbert
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Max Plath
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Felise Kaufusi
16. Tom Flegler
17. Morgan Knowles
Phins latest team news ahead of Round 1
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is likely to start in the No.1 jersey ahead of Trai Fuller, although will face pressure to keep hold of his spot, with a switch into the centres possible later in the year.
Jamayne Isaako and star recruit Selwyn Cobbo are likely to start on the wings, with Jack Bostock possibly missing the opening of the season after suffering an ACL injury midway through the campaign last season.
Jake Averillo could partner English international Herbie Farnworth in the centres, with depth provided by Max Feagai.
Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa will partner each other in the halves once again, while support will be from Brad Schneider instead of Sean O'Sullivan this campaign after he joined from Penrith.
Daniel Saifiti was sidelined early on during last season due to a shoulder issue he suffered in Round 8, but he will be back on deck for the start of the new season.
He could be joined up front by Francis Molo, who was strong upon his arrival from St George Illawarra.
Jeremy Marshall-King will wear the No.9 jersey, with support likely to be provided by Kurt Donoghoe off the bench.
Ray Stone will be battling to make the 17, while hooker Harrison Graham has departed from the club.
Tom Gilbert's bad luck with injuries continued in 2025 as he was sidelined with a ruptured pec in Round 11. The captain will be hoping to avoid injury this season as he leads the team in the backrow.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Oryn Keeley and Connelly Lemuelu will all be competing for a starting spot on an edge. Two of the trio may miss out on the 17 altogether.
Max Plath will be racing the clock to be fit in time for the opening match after his injury-plagued campaign was ended due to an ACL injury in Round 14.
If he does not make it, Donoghoe is set to keep the No.13 jersey after excelling in it during the second half of last season. However, new recruit from St Helens, Morgan Knowles, is also a strong contender for the role.
Tom Flegler missed the entirety of the 2025 campaign and most of his first season at the Phins as well due to a shoulder injury.
However, the enforcer has set his sights on returning to action in the opening round and he could be eased back into the thick of it via the bench.
Felise Kaufusi extended his stay at Redcliffe and will be competing for a place on the pine. Meanwhile, fellow veteran Mark Nicholls has retired from the game.
Josh Kerr was an ever-present on the pine for Kristian Woolf in 2025, but can't be called upon any longer after the forward returned to the Dragons on a two-year deal, while Aublix Tawha headed to Brisbane.
Sebastian Su'a was signed from Newcastle during last season and will be hoping to press his claims in first grade, while other emerging talent such as Tevita Naufahu will also be in the mix for selection in the backline.