Contract extension for Plath at Dolphins

Max Plath has been rewarded for a flying start to the 2024 NRL preseason with a contract upgrade and extension.

Plath, who made his NRL debut this year in round 14 against the Warriors, has been given an upgrade to the final two years of his current deal and had his contract extended to the end of season 2026.

The 22-year-old lock returned to preseason in supreme fitness, producing the best 1.2km time trial of any Dolphins player.

He won the Redcliffe Dolphins Player of the Year award for the 2023 Hostplus Cup campaign despite joining the club well after the season had begun.

It is these type of results and efforts that have convinced the Dolphins to make sure Plath is part of the club’s long-term future.

Dolphins’ NRL chief executive Terry Reader says Plath, who came through the QRL pathways with Wynnum before joining the Dolphins in April, has earned this reward.

“Max showed us last year that he is an NRL player with a big future,” Reader says.

“He played two NRL matches last year – both against top-four team the Warriors – and played really well in both of them.

“Seeing him score his first NRL try and help us finish off the season with a big win over a finals-bound team was a moment to remember for all of our members and fans.

“Max has built on those showings by turning up for preseason in tremendous shape and demonstrating how much this means to him.

“This contract ensures he will be a Dolphin for many years to come.”

Plath says he is pleased to ink his new deal.

“It is great to get my future sorted with the Dolphins and lock in for the long term,” he says.

“I really enjoyed the opportunities I received last season and am excited now to be able to get stuck into training and work on building on that in 2024.”