Dolphins' double swoop for State league stars

The Dolphins have added two more signings for their entry to the NRL competition next year, plucking two players straight out of Queensland Rugby League pathways.

Former Wests Tigers, Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights’ front rower JJ Collins will be part of the Dolphins’ 30-man squad next year, while impressive young prop Ryan Jackson has also signed with the club.

Collins has been one of the stand-out middle forwards in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup this year, averaging 127 running metres and 50 minutes on the field through Tweed Heads Seagulls’ first five matches of the season.

A Logan Brothers junior and Queensland Schoolboys and Maroons’ under-20s representative, Collins won the national championship with Keebra Park High School.

Jackson pictured above, hails from Brisbane and is part of the 2022 Queensland Emerging Origin under-18s squad.

Opportunity knocks

At just 18 years of age, Jackson stands at 195cms and weighs 108kg, and is currently playing in the QRL’s under-21s Colts competition after starring for Wynnum Seagulls in their Mal Meninga Cup under-18s team.

“The Dolphins will continue to sign talent from Queensland pathways as we honour our pledge to build a team with a long-term future,” said Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader.

“It is great to be adding two Brisbane-born front rowers to our list – one who has NRL experience with other teams and now gets a chance with a Queensland-based NRL club, and another who is just starting out on his rugby league journey.

“One of the key outcomes of adding the Dolphins to the NRL was to provide more opportunities for local Queensland-based players to compete at the highest level.

“JJ Collins and Ryan Jackson will now get that chance with the Dolphins when our first pre-season training sessions start in November.”