While the new Dolphins franchise has attracted criticism for not signing a marquee player for their maiden NRL campaign, they will boast one of the most fearsome forward packs in the competition.
As superstar players like Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga and Jahrome Hughes dropped the Dolphins back, the club quietly managed to go after Melbourne Storm forwards Felise Kaufusi and Bromwich brothers Jesse and Kenny.
Kaufusi, who has played 174 games for the Storm along with 14 appearances for Queensland and four caps for Australia and seven Tests for Tonga, is poised to be one of the Dolphins’ most astute signings.
Having grown up in Bundaberg in the Wide Bay region north of Brisbane, he told Daily Mail Australia it was hard to leave the Storm but he was happy to be home.
“I was always going to be difficult, I love the club. I love the Melbourne Storm, the people there, the city itself, I think it’s my favorite city in Australia,” he said.
Kaufusi is delighted to be back home in Queensland and will be a key part of the Dolphins pack in their first NRL season
Having the Bronwich brothers join him from Melbourne Storm helps Kaufusi with combinations at his new club
“It was difficult for me, but at the end of the day I had to make a decision for me personally and for my family.
“I think it’s a terrific opportunity that we have.
“Queensland is home for me. I grew up in Bundaberg, a smaller regional town and it means a lot to me. To be a lot closer to the family, it’s a lot easier for them to get to me or for me to get home.’
Brothers Jesse Bromwich and Kenny Bromwich are seen chatting together during a Dolphins NRL training session at Kayo Stadium
Easing the transition for Kaufusi is having big boppers Kenny and Jesse alongside him on the court at his new team.
But he revealed they were making him sweat about coming north.
“He’s a huge person, I was so happy when they told me they were coming,” she said.
“They were pretty tight to be honest, I was hoping they would give me something but I found out when everyone else did.
“I’m glad they came, it just makes it more comfortable. I have played most of my career with these boys.
“There’s a lot of confidence and I know what I’m going to get.”
Kaufusi also revealed the tough conversation he had with Storm coach Craig Bellamy to let him know he was not going to stay in the Victorian capital.
“I called him in the contract process and obviously he gave me his blessings,” he said.
“He told me that as much as they want to keep me, it would be stupid not to take this opportunity.
“I’m at a point in my career where it’s with players, I had to sign.”
Tom Gilbert is wrapped up by the defense including Kaufusi during a Dolphins NRL training session at Kayo Stadium
Kaufusi has identified the young Queensland forward as a player to watch for the Dolphins in their maiden season
It’s not just the Storm players who will make the Dolphins engine room fear in 2023.
The club has also signed hard workers such as Ray Stone from 2022 grand finalists Parramatta and star player Tom Gilbert from the North Queensland Cowboys.
After a difficult preparation period for their first season, Kaufusi was particularly impressed with Gilbert.
“I like what I see from Tommy Gilbert,” he said.
He’s so relentless, a worker, and that’s the type of player I like to play with.
“He just grabs the bull by the horns and goes as hard as he can, so I’m looking forward to building those combinations with Tommy Gilbert and hopefully we’ll have a good year.
“A lot of youngsters are coming in and I guess they see me as an older, experienced, senior player and I’m very happy to show them the ropes.
“I hope they learn a little bit from me.”
Kaufusi will appear in the Stan Original Documentary series Dawn of the Dolphins – which chronicles the rise of the Redcliffe Dolphins from their announcement as the 17th NRL side, to their first trial games airing from 6 March.