Johns: Are the Dolphins the NRL's next powerhouse club?

Are we witnessing the start of the NRL’s next powerhouse in the Dolphins?

According to Matty Johns, we just might be.

Having started their NRL existence in 2023, the Dolphins have continually improved on the ladder every year.

And in 2026, the Redcliffe-based side made their biggest improvement to date, finishing third and going on to win their first-ever finals match, seeing them 80 minutes away from a maiden Grand Final.

And with plenty of young players coming through their talent pathways, the 1997 Premiership player thinks they could enjoy a level of continued success that the Melbourne Storm have enjoyed.

“It's just a remarkable story,” Johns told SEN’s The Run Home with Joel and Fletch.

“And that club, I reckon they could be the Melbourne Storm of the next 10-15 years. That long a dominance.  

“I went through; they (the Daily Telegraph) had a thing about the top 100 young players coming through the grades and the pathways.

“Mate, I reckon the Dolphins had 40 or 50. They're a powerhouse club.”

Following Saturday night’s semi-final, the Dolphins will play the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium for a spot in the 2026 NRL Grand Final.

SEN League will have live coverage of the match from 7pm AEST across our radio network and on the SEN app, with kick-off set for 7:50pm.

The winner of this preliminary final will either play Penrith or Newcastle.