Who’s Who in 22, Sport: Grant Cleal

Former Redcliffe Dolphins player, coach and long-time administrator Grant Cleal’s commitment to the club and understanding of its culture has been rewarded in 2022, with a key role in the NRL club’s football operations.

Cleal was handpicked by Dolphins’ NRL Head Coach Wayne Bennett to manage the operations and logistics of the new football department.

He brings with him more than 20 years of experience as part of the Dolphins’ push to become the 17th team in the NRL.

Cleal joined the Redcliffe Dolphins in 1989 as player and was a premiership-winning captain with the club before retiring and taking on a junior development role. The former front-rower, known as ‘Crusher’, is Dolphin No. 425.

He has been the club’s General Manger of Football for 14 years and is excited about the role which is a ‘natural progression’.

Under his leadership in 2022, the Dolphins made Grand Final in both QRL grades contested – the Hostplus Cup and under-21s Hastings-Deerings Colts competitions.

While the Dolphins were not victorious, winning through to both Grand Finals is indicative of the levels of achievement Cleal has overseen.

He was in charge when the Redcliffe Dolphins last won the Queensland Cup premiership in 2018.

The announcement of his new NRL position was made in September and he moved into the role immediately as the club prepared for its first preseason which started in November.

About Grant Cleal

Grant ‘Crusher’ Cleal joined the Redcliffe Dolphins in 1989 and is Dolphin No.425.

He has been a player, premiership-winning captain, coach and long-time administrator.

Cleal has been the Redcliffe Dolphins’ General Manager of Football for 14 years and was in a junior development role before that.

He has had a key role in attracting and retaining talent at the club, developing players and delivering on-field success.

Cleal also has a keen understanding of the Dolphins’ culture and history, an attribute considered just as valuable as his administrative skills as the club debuts in the NRL in 2023.

He is now working for the Dolphins NRL club in managing the operations and logistics of the new football department – handpicked by Super Coach Wayne Bennett for the task.

The first wave of NRL players have arrived at the club for preseason training, with the full contingent due on January 5 ahead of trial games in February and round one in March.