The Dolphins have missed out on securing the services of Cameron Munster for 2024 and beyond, with the star Storm, Queensland and Australian five-eighth going against all of the speculation to add four years to his time in the Victorian capital before November 1.
It's something of a crushing blow for coach Wayne Bennett, who has spoken out regarding his level of confidence over securing Munster for the future, having originally been knocked back on the idea of a release for Munster to join the club for their inaugural season.
It was believed Bennett may well have looked at Ben Hunt had he missed Munster, however, the Dragons' halfback re-signed 24 hours before Munster did.
The Dolphins missing Munster (and possibly Hunt) follows a long line of players who have gone elsewhere instead of the Dolphins for the inaugural season.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow became the club's latest signing this week following his release from the North Queensland Cowboys, however, the club are skinny for marquee players, especially when it comes to the spine.
Their opening halves combination is likely to be Sean O'Sullivan and Anthony Milford, while Jeremy Marshall-King will take the number nine jumper.
That said, the Dolphins will continue to push for an increasing talent list in 2024, and there are plenty of big names who could potentially hit the open market from November 1 unless their current clubs re-sign them in the next three weeks.
With the Rugby League World Cup happening in England, it appears more and more unlikely any players playing in the tournament will be dealing with contracted-related issues between now and then, which means the list of players off-contract on November 1 is unlikely to undergo anything more than minor alterations between now and then.
That said, the Dolphins must add talent, and these are the best five options for the club to chase.
4. Dylan Brown
Brown is coming off the best season of his career and is off-contract at the end of the 2023 campaign.
While there is little doubt that the Eels will want to retain the star New Zealand-born five-eighth, there is a part of the neutral fan who would likely love to see Brown playing under Bennett.
While his 2020 was superb, 2021 saw Brown fall right away, his level of involvement in try-scoring plays dropping right off for Parramatta.
The blue and gold saw him back at his best in 2022, and while he took the player option in his deal for 2023, it's likely they would need to up their offer to retain Brown in 2023.
That is something they may not be able to do with a number of other players coming off-contract, including halves partner Mitchell Moses and likely commanding big dollar upgrades.
Brown is off to the World Cup with the Kiwis, so will still likely be unsigned come November 1, and he is a player the Dolphins should absolutely go after.
C’mon Scott you can do better than this.
Cody Walker: No…too old
Dylan Brown: he’s a maybe at the right price but have Milford already
Mitchell Moses: probably not…too much money so no value for $
Reece Robson: won’t leave Cows & if he did it would be to Dragons; have a great young 9 in Harrison Graham coming through
Latrell Mitchell: won’t leave Rabbitohs now & too much money & now they have the Hammer
So only one of those 5 would be in their sights. Try another 5 please.
Look on the bright side Wayne. The world cup is coming up, and there are bound to be a couple of hitherto unknowns who emerge as stars. You’ve got plenty of dosh, so if you see someone who looks decent, just go for him!
Lachlan Miller from the Sharks. Contracted for 2023 only. He’s 28, mature, fast, seven games and three tries.
Miller could be the next Nicho Hynes.
He could also be the next Tedesco/Pappenhuyzen – don’t be surprised if he is the #1 choice for Sharks full-back for 2023