The Dolphins must have contingency plans if hooker Jeremy Marshall-King gets injured again this season, which is why back-up rake Harrison Graham must make an early statement in the club’s opening trial.
Graham, 23, will wear the No.9 against CQ Capras in Gladstone on Saturday night and it is his chance to show coach Kristian Woolf that he can do the job if called on this season, adding to the six NRL games he played in 2023.
Graham filled in for the injured Marshall-King at the back-end of that campaign where he defended well but offered little in attack as the Dolphins faded out of finals contention.
Marshall-King, one of the side’s most influential players, also missed a large chunk of last season with injury. The Dolphins’ 2024 player of the year Max Plath stepped into the role admirably but much of the incredible impact he had made as a lock was lost as the side again had a late-season stumble.
Now it is Graham’s time to shine.
“Coming into this season I knew that if something happens to Jeremy or any other hooker I have to be ready to go,” he said.
“I am ready with my head space. This trial is the first challenge.”
It will be an early test of the Dolphins’ depth and who among the train and trial players may be the next NRL candidate.
One of them, prop Peter Hola, has already got 15 games of NRL under his belt with North Queensland and Canberra and is currently signed to Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.
Another prop, top 30 squad member Mason Teague, will also get a chance to press his claims.
The powerhouse play of Dolphins development list forward Aublix Tawha will be watched with interest by Woolf.
Tawha played 18 games for the Dolphins in the Queensland Cup last year where he had a 90 per cent efficiency in defence. He also averaged 105m in attack, scored seven tries and is regarded as a player of real NRL potential.
Graham, who is off-contract and wants to stay at the Dolphins, is one of the club’s few out-and-out hookers with Plath and Kurt Donoghoe providing utility value.
Plath is almost certain to start the season as No.14 with the return from injury of Tom Gilbert at lock. Graham also has an opportunity to make a claim for an extension after improving his attacking skills and fitness in the pre-season.
“At the Dolphins there are not too many (hookers),” he said.
“There are a few versatile players and Jeremy Marshall-King, so if I can do a good job and impress the coaches there could be an opportunity for me here.
“Of course I am open to staying here at the Dolphins. It is a great club under Woolfy and his coaching staff. It is up to me, the future.”
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