Rugby league great Corey Parker has blown up over the 2024 NRL draw and believes the Dolphins have been given no favours by the league.
The Dolphins were the feel-good story of 2023 after starting the season strongly and surprising the competition. Naturally, injuries, suspensions and players on representative duty took their toll and the Dolphins fell down the ladder.
The latest fixture has the Dolphins playing a match in the week leading up to all three State of Origin games and Parker believes that misstep and other scheduling issues is a great injustice on the NRL’s newest franchise.
“There has been some absolute rubbish thrown the Dolphins’ way,” Parker said on SENQ.
“We saw the damage from what a lack of depth did to the Dolphins last season.
“Pre-Origin, they are the only team there every single week. They faded at the back but they’ve been handed this draw.
“The biggest clash, the Dolphins up against the Broncos in Round 26 at Suncorp Stadium is (during) the Riverfire (Festival) where half a million people will be moving throughout the season.
“Magic Round is a carnival-like atmosphere and the Dolphins are playing the last game against the mighty Wests Tigers.
“At that point, people just want to go home and prepare for Monday and that there is just another low blow for the Dolphins.”
The Dolphins are predicted to improve in season 2024 with the acquisitions of Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler from the Broncos.