Rugby League great Cameron Smith has said it’s time for the Dolphins to hit the “panic button” as the pool for marquee player recruits keeps dwindling.
The Dolphins have failed to attract a big-name player to the club so far with Kalyn Ponga the latest marquee player to reject a move to Redcliffe.
Smith holds grave concerns for the Dolphins' competitiveness on the field and their marketability off the field.
“As each day passes, the season is getting closer for next year and they need a side that needs to be competitive,” Smith said on 1170 SEN Breakfast.
“I’d hate to see a Dolphins team come in next year and be non-competitive all year.
“We are talking about established clubs in the competition that you look at and give them no chance when they turn up on a weekend.
“You’d hate to see an expansion club be in that same situation.
“For their fans, their followers, new members and sponsors, they need to be winning footy games.
“The panic button is pretty close to being pushed.”
The Dolphins were expected to poach a number of key players from rival clubs including Kalyn Ponga, Reed Mahoney and Brandon Smith among others but have been met with rejection at every turn.
SEN’s Matty Johns believes the Dolphins struggles to attract a star recruit is symptomatic of weaker NRL teams being unable to sign top end talent.
“Doesn’t it show you with the Dolphins…how difficult it is for them (to recruit),” Johns said on 1170 SEN Breakfast.
“The Bulldogs situation where they recruited well but they are still two creative players short.
“Where are those players? Where are they going to get them from? Where is that halfback that they need?
“That halfback is just not there.
“The Dolphins might me the club that can’t attract quality.”