Dolphins fan taking social media by storm

Barry Eames admits he’s no spring chicken, but the Dolphins NRL club’s newest ‘intern’ has no shortage of youthful enthusiasm.

The 85-year-old Bally Cara retirement village resident has become a social media sensation since taking on the role and appearing in several videos, including one in which he had some fun announcing the 2025 NRL Draw with Sam Tagataese.

Barry has also starred alongside winger Jack Bostock in a Bossy Cooks with Bally Cara cooking video, sampling the mixture and home baking along the way.

The born performer made butterfly cakes with Bostock, showing the 21-year-old how to use old-fashioned cooking utensils such as a hand-beater, having plenty of fun in the process.

“He’s a great fellow,” Barry says.

Bostock is now one of Barry’s favourite players alongside fellow winger Jamayne Isaako.

“I just love watching them. We love to go to the games and I’ve been to Suncorp Stadium and watched a game,” Barry says.

Jumping on the bandwagon

He jumped on the Dolphins bandwagon, as excitement about the club grew ahead of its first season in the NRL in 2023, splitting his loyalty between the Phins and Cowboys.

Having previously lived in Townsville for 30 years, the Cowboys had been his team but Barry’s heart is big enough for two.

“I was at the Cowboys’ first game in 1995 and so I’ve been a Cowboys’ supporter ever since but since the Dolphins have come along … I’ve supported both,” he says.

“Bally Cara has a sponsorship with them and we’ve had a couple of big open days here.”

Barry has two supporter flags, one for each club, which he flies from his balcony when each team wins.

“If they keep winning, they stay out,” Barry explains.

When they lose, he drags the flag inside quick smart … sometimes when he’s still in his pyjamas.

So, what happens when they play each other?

“Well, I hope it’s a draw,” he says laughing.

The Dolphins’ star intern has made a bold prediction for the 2025 season …

“The Dolphins will be in the final eight and, hopefully, the Cowboys and the Dolphins will play in the Grand Final. That would be absolutely perfect,” Barry says.

As for his newfound career, the former architect laughs when asked if he’s still struggling to work out what he wants to do with his life, taking on an internship at the age of 85.

“There’s always a resurrection of a new life,” he says.

And wife Frances agrees his second career suits him.

“I think it’s great for him. I said to him the other day, fancy at 85 doing all of this sort of thing,” she says.