Dolphins: ‘I think it’s just the culture’

Dolphins NRL young gun Oryn Keeley is among a group of emerging players who have stepped up this season with injuries claiming some of the club’s biggest names, particularly up front.

Many experts have marvelled at how the team is still in the finals hunt. Keeley has a theory…

“It’s a great club, from the top to the bottom. Everyone’s so humble, I guess. The club’s been set up so well. The boys, it’s like a brotherhood here,” he explains.

“Whoever plays, everyone has faith they’re going to do the job. No one questions anyone and everyone brings their own strengths to the game.

“I think it’s just the culture. It’s really enjoyable to show what we can really do.”

Keeley has played 17 games for the NRL side, 11 this season, after signing a three-year deal with the Dolphins in October 2023.

He moved to the Redcliffe Peninsula from Newcastle where he had played with the Knights’ Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball Cup sides before making his NRL debut in August 2022. It was the same year he was selected as captain of the NSW under-19s Origin team.

He, Kurt Donoghoe, Harrison Graham, Aublix Tawha, Tevita Naufahu and Peter Hola have not only filled the gaps in the Dolphins’ NRL team this season but offered fans a glimpse into an exciting future for the club.

They have seized the opportunity to impress with both hands.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. I came in for the Bulldogs’ game after Tommy (Gilbert) got hurt. We weren’t really running that well … we had a few good wins but just couldn’t put it together,” he recalls.

“We had a long stretch where we were playing outstanding and I was so stoked and happy to be part of that. We galvanised together and really fought for each other. I’ve really enjoyed it.

“For myself, I look at it (as though) I’m not a first-grader yet. I just go out there and I’m just going to put everything I can into that performance. The boys are like that as well.

“It’s awesome, everyone’s just fighting and competing. Like you saw on the weekend (against the Warriors) we just did not give up for each other. So much stuff happened with our team, but we just can’t give up.

“That’s how we are off the field. We’re just always together, hanging out and having fun … you just build that trust … we’ll just continue to keep doing that.”

Already earning a reputation for his energy and aggression, Keeley says Felise Kaufusi has been a valuable mentor.

“He put a lot of confidence in myself to be physical and to trust that I can be physical against NRL players week in, week out,” Keeley explains.

“He just always tells me to bring me. It just helps me so much, knowing that our co-captain Felise has my back and believes I can do it.”

So, what would it mean to him to play finals this year?

“It would mean the world to myself and the boys … the whole community, the fans. We’re going to focus on a game at a time and put ourselves in that position because I believe we’re ready for it,” Keeley says.

The next step towards reaching that goal is the Dolphins’ round 23 clash against the Roosters on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium (5.30pm kick off).