Graham’s vow ahead of first Dolphins trial game

Hooker Harrison Graham will be looking for any opportunity break into the Dolphins’ NRL side, starting with a strong performance against the Central Queensland Capras in the club’s first trial game this weekend.

Graham and fellow NRL squad player Mason Teague will lead a team featuring players from all levels of the Dolphins system for the game at the Gladstone Coal Exporters Sports Complex (Marley Brown Oval) on February 8 from 6pm.

The clash, which will give fans a glimpse of the club’s rising stars, will be live-streamed on the Dolphins’ Facebook page.

Exciting development player Tevita Naufahu will play at fullback and be joined by fellow development squad members Ryan Jackson (prop) and Aublix Tahwa (back row). See the team list here

Graham, who says he is working hard to improve his fitness and build confidence in attack, says Saturday’s game is his first challenge for the season and fans can expect a strong performance.

“This weekend, there’s going to be a young team coming out, heaps of train and trial boys will get an opportunity for the first time in Dolphins colours. It will be pretty exciting for everyone,” he says.

“Hopefully we can show them (fans) some of the stuff we’ve been practicing in the preseason and go after it (the win).”

Graham, 23, scored the Dolphins NRL club’s first ever try during a trial game in 2023 against the Capras.

Since then, he’s made his NRL debut for the Dolphins in June 2023, going on to play six games that season.

He has also been an integral part of the Redcliffe Dolphins’ Hostplus Cup side, playing 17 games at that level in 2024.

Graham knows if Jeremy Marshall-King is injured or unable to play, he needs to be ready to step up and make the most of the opportunity to play at the top level if given the chance.

“I feel that at the moment I’m pretty good in my head space and I’m ready to play, so hopefully I’ll get a game throughout the year and we’ll see what happens. Gladstone will be the first challenge,” he says.

“I feel really good heading into this year.”

Max Plath is proof you can break into the NRL side with hard work and an opportunity.

“Hopefully, I like to think I can do the same going into this season,” Graham says.

“We’ve been focusing on a lot of defensive stuff over the last few months. For me, that’s probably something that I want to improve on.

“Coming into this preseason, I wanted to become more fitter as well … I feel like I’ve done that so, I’m also keen to show off my attacking skills up in Gladstone. We’ll see how we go.”

Graham says new Head Coach Kristian Woolf has built on the foundations laid by predecessor Wayne Bennett, and the broader coaching team, during the first two seasons.

“Obviously, we haven’t been making the (top) eight in the past couple of years … Woolfie wants to push forward now to be in the top eight … just changing up the standards … the instructions he’s been giving are pretty strict. I feel like everyone’s ready to go, come round one,” he says.