Dolphins NRL: Stone’s keen to get out there

Dolphins hardman Ray Stone is looking forward to his first hit-out after a long pre-season, when he runs out for the club in their final trial game ahead of the 2025 season at Redcliffe on Saturday (6.30pm kick off).

The Dolphins will play the Titans at Kayo Stadium, in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge double-header, with the Broncos taking on the Bulldogs in the curtain-raiser from 4.30pm.

Stone will be joined by Tom Gilbert who makes his long-awaited return after two seasons dogged by injuries.

It will be a special moment when he runs out at the club’s spiritual home on Saturday night.

“It’s been a long road for him but it’s going to be heaps good having him back,” Stone says.

“He’s a big leader in the team so having him come back in and lead like he does … he leads with his actions … it’s going to be massive for us. He’s a talented player as well, so it’s going to be a big bonus having him back.

“He’s done all the hard work. He’s done all the right stuff. Having him back this week is going to be massive for him.”

Gilbert is widely tipped to be named the club’s captain, most likely at their season launch next week, after the retirement of inaugural skipper Jesse Bromwich.

“He’s very popular among all the boys. He brings such a positive presence as well. He’s always wanting the best from the boys,” Stone says.

So, would be his pick for captain?

“Um, yeah. I keep forgetting Jesse’s gone and we’re going to have a new captain this year. I haven’t thought too much into it but we’ve got a big leadership group, so whoever they decide to choose they’ll be good for the team,” he says.

Strong performance

Stone says the club’s thumping 50-8 win over the Cowboys in their first Pre-Season Challenge trial game on February 14 has given the squad confidence.

“It’s good. The stuff we’ve been doing in the pre-season, it’s obviously paid off for the boys that played on the weekend. They did really well,” he says.

“It is good but, at the same time, it’s a trial. It’s a very long season and we’ve got to make sure that we perform like that week in, week out.”

Dolphins NRL Head Coach Kristian Woolf has named an experienced squad for the final trial game, with many players likely to retain their spots for round one of the 2025 NRL season.

Felise Kaufusi will captain the team from the front row and be joined by Daniel Saifiti, who will make his first appearance in a Dolphins jersey.

Fellow newcomer Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is also poised for his Dolphins debut, starting in the second row alongside Tom Gilbert.

Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima will partner in the halves, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kurt Donoghoe completing the spine at fullback and hooker.

The extended bench features key forwards Mark Nicholls, Ray Stone, and Connelly Lemuelu. Young guns Aublix Tawha, Tevita Naufahu, and LJ Nonu, who have impressed throughout the pre-season, will round out the squad.