As the 2023 season ends for a number of clubs, we look back on the highs and lows for every club, their best player, the changes they need to make for next season and an early prediction for where they will finish in 2024.
In this edition, we take a look at the Dolphins and Sea Eagles, two sides that were expected to finish at opposite ends of the competition but ended the season in similar spots on the ladder.
The Dolphins – 9 wins, 15 losses, -11
Ladder: 13th
The NRL’s newest franchise, the Dolphins weren’t expected to do much in their inaugural season, so much so that seven of our 15 SEN NRL experts tipped them to finish bottom of the ladder.
The Dolphins stunned the NRL in their debut game, knocking off the Premiership-favourite Roosters, before going on to win four of the first six games. The ‘Phins Up’ movement took the NRL by storm as Wayne Bennett proved he still had it in him at 73 years of age. Despite fizzling out in the backend of the season, The Dolphins’ debut season will be remembered for years to come.
Highlight
Beating the Roosters in Round One
Heading into their first-ever game in the NRL, the Dolphins weren’t given a chance by many against the heavyweight Roosters. After conceding in the 10th minute, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow etched his name into the club’s history books with the first try moments later.
‘The Hammer’s’ try sparked a monumental Dolphins comeback in front of a bumper crowd at Suncorp Stadium. Walking away as 28-18 winners on the day, the Dolphins made headlines around the country and won the hearts of all NRL fans, besides the Roosters and Broncos faithful.
Honourable Mentions: 26-point comeback against Gold Coast and the first Brisbane derby.
Lowlight
Conceding 58 points to Manly
Right as the ‘Phins Up’ movement came to a halt, the Dolphins suffered a tumultuous loss at the hands of a Tom Trbojevic-led Sea Eagles. With the Redcliffe-based side boasting an even 7-7 record for the year, Manly officially ended the debut season honeymoon period for Wayne Bennet’s men. The loss for the Dolphins exposed a few things that would become key components for the rest of the season, poor defence, and a lack of depth. These problems only continued to grow throughout the season but shed a light on the tape that used to cover over the cracks.
Best player
Jamayne Isaako
In a season full of record-breaking moments, Jamayne Isaako’s try and point scorer efforts top the list for the Dolphins. Isaako became just the 7th player in the game’s 116-year history to finish atop both the top try-scoring and points-scoring list – the first player to do so since Mal Meninga in 1990. The burly winger’s showing in 2023 will likely earn him a spot in the NRL’s Dally M Team of the Year after already taking out the Arthur Beetson Medal as Player of the Year for the Dolphins.
What they need for 2024
Squad depth
The biggest concern for the Dolphins prior to the start of the season was first-grade quality players outside of the first 17. Wayne Bennett’s recruitment policy showed plenty of success at the start of the season but as injuries, suspension and State of Origin took their toll, the Dolphins’ performances began to dramatically drop. Acknowledging this problem in the middle of the season was key for the Dolphins’ future, who quickly added established stars Jake Averillo, Tom Flegler and Herbie Farnworth for the 2024 season.
Early prediction
12th
Although the Dolphins are bound to have a more consistent season in 2024, the lack of experience in the spine is still a worry. Along with an ageing forward pack, Wayne Bennett will have to work his magic once again to get this side fighting for a spot in finals.
Grade
C+
Manly Sea Eagles – 11 wins, 12 losses, +6
Ladder: 12th
The Manly Sea Eagles season was defined by one thing in 2023, Tom Trbojevic’s health. The superstar fullback once again had his season cut short due to injury, managing 11 NRL games and two injury-riddled showings State of Origin. After showing plenty of promise in the opening stages of the season, Manly’s season fell apart in a stunning fashion. With plenty of unanswered questions heading into 2024, Manly is in store for a massive off-season.
Highlight
Daly Cherry-Evans playing his 300th game
In a season where not much went the way of the Sea Eagles, celebrating one of the club’s most beloved sons entering a historic club was undoubtedly the highlight of the season. Daly Cherry-Evans became the 49th player to reach the illustrious 300-game club, becoming the first to do it by playing every game in the same position. Cherry-Evans’ joining the 300-club capped off what was another stellar season from the veteran halfback as the masses acknowledged what an incredible player he has matured into. Winning the game 24-18 was the cherry on top of what was a well-below-average season for the club.
Lowlight
Continuous off-field drama
Whether it was Josh Schuster coming in and out of first grade, questions over Tom Trbojevic’s future or releasing a statement in regard to player agents, it was a disastrous season for Manly off the field. After the club parted ways with Kieran Foran to allow Schuster to become the club’s new six, the pressure was firmly placed on the Samoan’s shoulders. It’s safe to say he is yet to live up to those expectations and his multi-million-dollar price tag, leaving the club with no other option but to drop him from the first-grade squad. The Schuster saga continued to drag out as the season progressed but was eventually overshadowed by a bizarre media release from the club which displayed how many players were represented by certain agents. With the club trying to prove a point that Isaac Moses wasn’t as influential as perceived, the statement had the exact opposite effect.
Best player
Daly Cherry-Evans
The Queensland Maroons skipper is ageing like a fine wine and is quickly establishing himself as one of the greatest players to even put on a Manly jumper. Scoring nine tries and setting up 18 for the year, Cherry-Evans’ influence on Manly’s attack was on full display throughout the season. Despite his teammates failing to match his elite level of play in 2023, Cherry-Evans had one of his most memorable season to date. Leading the Maroons to another series win rubbed off on his club form and will likely continue in 2024, where he is set to become to most capped player in the club’s history.
What they need for 2024
A Tom Trbojevic backup plan
For the fifth season in a row, Manly was robbed of its most talented player for a long portion of the season. Tom Trbojevic missing time is becoming an all-too-common problem for the Sea Eagles and it’s time to act. Although Reuben Garrick impressed as the replacement for Trbojevic, Manly needs to add more quality depth in the backline in case of another serious injury in 2024.
Early prediction
7th
Manly still has a few issues to solve throughout the squad but all of those issues can be answered by Tom Trbojevic. If he can stay healthy for a good portion of the season, there’s no reason not to believe that Manly can make a serious run back at the top eight.
Grade
D