It's been a remarkable start to the NRL run of the Dolphins, who despite entering the competition just two years ago, have already been able to establish a competent roster who are competitive each week.
Whilst they're still fighting to earn their inaugural finals spot, the groundwork has been laid and the future is bright.
The Dolphins club have benefited from being in a rugby league stronghold with a recognisable brand in the Queensland competition.
Nevertheless, the majority of expansion sides have failed to get off the ground so seamlessly.
The signings of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth have certainly aided their ascendance; as well as the guidance of legendary head coach Wayne Bennett in their formative years.
However, what will likely prove to be their most significant decision was to bet on Isaiya Katoa before he'd made his name in the NRL.
After his latest extension, Katoa will reportedly earn $650,000 over the next three seasons, which many would consider to be a large discount if he is to continue to progress at his current rate.
At just 21-years-of-age, premiership winner and analyst Matthew Johns has already labelled him as one of the game's future greats.
"The trajectory this bloke is on, by the time he finishes - I don’t want to put pressure on (him) but - he could be one of the great number sevens. I rate him that high," Johns said.
With the cornerstone of their franchise already in place and on contract, Kristian Woolf now has the responsibility of building a young core around Katoa.
Luckily for him, the Dolphins have stockpiled talent in their junior pathways, which has culminated in an undefeated season in the inaugural NRLQ Series.
Their under 20's side bested the most promising up-and-comers from the Broncos, Titans and Cowboys systems.
The side's head coach Scott Murray praised his team for their effort and commitment to the Dolphins jersey in a recent statement.
"It wasn’t necessarily about the scoreboard. It was about effort, defence, and setting standards. If you look at our for-and-against, our defensive mindset was a big part of our success," he said.
"They can certainly build on the success of this competition."
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The Dolphins currently occupy the eighth spot on the premiership ladder with four rounds remaining.
Whether they can make a deep push into September remains to be seen, but powerbrokers at the club should be looking at the long-term vision for this roster and their pathways which have all the makings of the NRL's next great powerhouse.