Dolphins make "impressive" start

New assistant coach Rory Kostjaysn was “impressed” by Dolphins’ squad in today's first open training session of the new season.

Kostjaysn has moved from Newcastle to Redcliffe to team-up again with Kristian Wolff, who succeeded Wayne Bennett as Dolphins’ head coach.

In Wolff’s absence, after coaching Tonga in the Pacific Championships, Kostjaysn put the squad (with many star names yet to return) through its paces.

“I thought the session was very enthusiastic,” he said, “a lot of intensity and energy considering it’s the first time they’ve touched the footy in a couple of months.

“I’ve been quite impressed at the way they have turned up physically and today concentration-wise.

“If they can keep putting good days in you never know ... by round 1 one of those guys may be pushing for a debut.”

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Kostjaysn described new Dolphins’ signing Daniel Saifiti, a State of Origin front rower who is on a three-year contract, as an “outstanding player”.

Saifiti played 183 NRL games for Newcastle and is tipped to be a cornerstone of Dolphins’ pack this season.

“I went there (Newcastle) alongside him as a player originally and watched him as a coach for a few year,” Kostjaysn said.

“When he’s at the top of his game he’s arguably the best front rower in the game. I’m looking forward to getting him up here.”

Kostjaysn added “everything looks good from what I’ve seen” of prop forward Tom Gilbert, who is still working his way back from an ACL injury in February.

“He looks good and I’m sure the medical staff are happy how he’s tracking. He’s obviously well respected (and hungry for success for himself and this group.”

Fellow prop Thomas Flegler is also “going pretty well” as he returns from a shoulder injury, which some feared may end his career.

“I imagine Fleggs is chomping at the bit,” Kostjaysn said, “everything I’ve heard he is going well, (but) I’ve no idea on a time frame (to return).”

The new assistant coach worked with Kristian Wolff at Newcastle in 2019 and joined Dolphin for the “challenge”.

He was “attracted by the way whole organization is tracking, plenty of support locally and across the country, the brand, the roster we’re putting together … it’s pretty attractive.

“It’s a new head coach but Kristian, the fans and support staff were all here last year, so for us it’s more building on the good work done over the first couple of seasons.

“If you asked two years ago how well the Dolphins would go, I don’t think many would have predicted how well they have gone.

“(The club has) done a really good job creating a foundation for us to build on over the next two-three-four seasons and beyond.”