Dolphins lock in trio of rising stars

Tobey Lewis

Dolphins lock in trio of rising stars image

The Dolphins are going all in on three of their emerging NRL prospects - Tevita Naufahu, LJ Nonu and John Fineanganofo - on extended contracts through 2027.

All three players have impressed through Queensland's second-tier competitions, earning their way into the NRL system.

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Naufahu, a powerful outside back, wasted no time making an impression, clocking 176-metres on debut earlier this year.

Originally from Auckland with a rugby union background, Naufahu made the leap to league in 2024 and hasn't looked back since.

He's been a try-scoring weapon for the Capras this season, showing an ability to play anywhere in the backline.

Also rising through the ranks is LJ Nonu, who will join the NRL squad in 2026 after a development season in 2025.

Nonu has split time between Norths and Redcliffe in reserve grade after bagging a hat-trick during a preseason demolition of the Cowboys.

Nonu has trained with the NRL side and is viewed internally as a long-term strike weapon in the backline.

Fineanganofo will also have a contract pathway which leads to a top-30 position by 2027.

The former Australian Schoolboys representative has been strong in the Queensland Cup, with the ability to play in several positions.

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Originally a hooker, Fineanganofo now has the versatility to play in both the halves and back-row.

The three upgrades reflect the Dolphins' growing confidence in their junior pathways after entering the competition in 2023.

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Tobey Lewis

Tobey Lewis is a content producer for Sporting News Australia, specialising in rugby league and combat. In his spare time, he bemoans being the lone player from his high school rugby league team to not be an NRL star.