Dolphins launch 2024 season in style

Published 10:33pm 1 March 2024

Dolphins NRL Head Coach Wayne Bennett made the same promise to supporters at tonight’s 2024 season launch as he did last year – he will ask his side to do their best and be a team they can be proud of and excited about.

The launch was held at Queensland Art Gallery, with a crowd of about 600 people there to wish the squad well as they count down the days until their round one clash against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on March 10.

See the photo gallery at the end of this story

Bennett thanked the audience for their support last year, saying the players’ efforts on and off the field made them a side which ignited excitement among fans in 2023.

“The spirit with which they played with got you engaged and it’s grown to 30,000+ average crowds,” he said.

Bennett said he’s worked with many teams, but he’s been proud of the attitude of the group of players who make up the squad.

“I told you last year I would expect them to do their best and they did that. That’s what I’ve asked them (to do) again this year,” he said.

“We’ve done a lot of testing in the last week or so … their fitness levels. They are all at the top of their game.”

Bennett said that gives the players confidence in each other because they all know they have worked hard and are ready for the season ahead.

Dolphins NRL CEO Terry Reader delivered a video message recorded from Las Vegas where he and all the NRL CEOs are for the historic US launch of round one.

“The Dolphins are not just the feel-good story of 2023, your Dolphins are already one of the heavyweight clubs of the NRL,” he said.

Reader said this was evident by strong membership figures, crowd numbers and commercial success.

Captain Jesse Bromwich spoke about highlights of the 2023 season, including an emotional win in that historic first game against the Roosters.

He also praised newcomers Tom Flegler, Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo for what they have already added to the team – leadership and high work ethic.

“When you get world-class players, they tend to lift the standards at training which has been the thing that I’ve noticed the most,” he said.