Max Plath: ‘I love this community, I love this club’

The Dolphins have secured forward Max Plath in a new deal which will lock him in until the end of the 2028 season.

The club’s 2024 Player of the Year couldn’t be happier to call Redcliffe home for four more seasons at least

The extension comes as a reward for Plath's standout 2024 campaign, where he made 21 NRL appearances and claimed multiple club accolades, including the prestigious Arthur Beetson Medal as the Dolphins' Player of the Year.

His dominant season also saw him recognised as the Players' Player and Best Forward – a testament to his relentless work ethic and impact on the field.

Plath first joined the Dolphins from QRL side Wynnum Manly in 2023 and has since built a reputation as a hard-nosed competitor with a tireless training mentality that mirrors his on-field performances.

Dolphins' CEO Terry Reader said: “Max is so versatile - he is one of those guys you can throw in at almost any position, and he will give you a performance.

“He had an amazing first full season in the NRL to win our 2024 Player of the Year award, and this contract underlines how important Max is to the Dolphins' future.”

Plath showcased his adaptability once again in the Dolphins' Pre-Season Challenge match last weekend, starting in the second row.

The 23-year-old who is looking forward to growing in the role is grateful for every opportunity that comes his way.

“It means everything to me. I love this community and I love this club ... to have that extra year here and bit more security means I can just focus on playing footy now,” he says

“I’m so grateful for the club, giving me that opportunity. I owe them a lot and will try to repay it now.”

Plath, who is known for his work ethic and willingness to learn, says he is happy to play wherever Head Coach Kristian Woolf wants him.

“At this stage in my career, I’m just stoked to be playing first grade. I could be concreting. I just love what I’m doing at the moment. If I’m in the back row, I’m in the back row. If I’m playing hooker, I’m playing hooker ... wherever it takes me, I don’t really mind,” he says.

“It’s whatever Woolfie and the coaches want ... I’m happy to mould into that.

“It’s all a learning opportunity and I’m trying to take it with both hands at the moment.”

Players endured a beep test at the beginning of this morning’s training session, with Ray Stone the last man standing.

Plath sat it out, with a groin niggle but expects more fitness testing on Friday.

“He (Ray Stone) is fit, isn’t he? He killed it. I think he got a PB too,” Plath says.