Dolphins ready to kick off season 2021

In an ominous sign for the other 13 teams in the Intrust Super Cup, the Dolphins are in great shape, have a big talent pool to draw on and are out to win the competition and show the NRL they have what it takes to play in the national league.

Moreton Daily speaks to coach Adam Mogg before the club’s 2021 season launch about how the squad is looking and his goals for the season.

“It hasn’t changed since I’ve been at the club. We’ve got a goal … we want to be at the last game of the year at Redcliffe (Moreton Daily Stadium). That’s our goal,” he says.

He says the preseason started slowly because of COVID-19 delaying the arrival of some players from interstate, but they have worked hard and are ready for the season to start.

“I’ve felt like in the last month we’ve got to where we were last year,” Mogg says.

He says the players who were with the team last year, which had the best preseason in his time with the club, are now stronger and fitter.

Mogg has been impressed with their work ethic and knows a great preseason sets a club up for a great season, with consistently high-level performance.

“They’re all good guys and part of the reason we recruit and keep the guys we do. They’re good guys and I’m big on that before talent. This is a good environment for them to grow and compete. That’s what we want to get out of the season,” he explains.

Trial game wins a good sign

The side’s 32-28 win over Norths Devils – their first trial game ahead of the season start on March 20 - gave him the chance to give some younger players a run and see the impact the Warriors’ players could have on the field.

“I could see some good things and things to work on. We need to work on everything, but that’s part of the process. You keep looking for small improvements as the year goes on. I don’t look at the tables. I know we just have to keep improving,” he said.

The squad’s second trial game against Souths Logan Magpies was on Saturday night. They won 30-28.

The season kicks-off this weekend and Mogg is excited for his players.

For some it has been a disrupted preseason and some have not played since this time last year.

Round one is against the Mackay Cutters in Mackay.

“I know it will be a good game of footy. We always have tough games against Mackay and I don’t expect this to be any different,” Mogg says.

“We’ll then look for areas to improve and get into the grind of playing, recovering and training and doing it all again.”

Strong squad has depth

The Dolphins have a large talent pool to draw from this season, with the Warriors sending some quality players their way and their own rising stars to consider.

“I thought they (the Warriors players) were good against Norths. We also had a few young guys from the Colts play who will be pushing for QCup selection as well,” he says.

As is generally the case with feeder-club relationships, the Warriors will select their team and send players, who do not make the NRL side to the Dolphins in time for their Friday night training session ahead of the weekend’s game.

Fans can see the Dolphins in action, when they play their first home game against the Central Queensland Capras at Moreton Daily Stadium in round three on April 10 at 6pm.

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