The Dolphins have signed Panthers playmaker Brad Schneider for the 2026 season.
The 24-year-old has played 27 NRL games for Penrith, acting predominantly as insurance for Nathan Cleary when he's missed club football due to injury or representative duty.
However, he will be given the opportunity at the Redcliffe-based club to compete for the number six jersey alongside fellow playmakers Kodi Nikorima and Kurt Donoghoe, to see who will partner the face-of-the-franchise, Isaiya Katoa, in the halves.
Sean O'Sullivan is in the final year of his contract with the Dolphins, where he has built his reputation as a serviceable replacement should one of the starters go down.
Schneider would immediately fill that void as a game-managing option for Kristian Woolf, should O'Sullivan leave at season's end.
Dolphins' CEO Terry Reader spoke glowingly about the value Schneider will bring to the roster next season in a statement released by the club on Thursday.
"Brad is a great signing for us as someone who has the experience of being part of the Panthers’ 2024 premiership as well as playing in a Challenge Cup final in front of a packed Wembley Stadium," he said.
"He gives us another great option in an important position as we continue to build our roster for the future."
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After making his debut at the Raiders four-years ago, Schneider made the switch to go and play in the English Super League for the Hull Kingston Rovers where he impressed in limited opportunities.
He also has the rare distinction of being one of the only players in the NRL to be born in South Australia, which may stoke interest from the Bears when they enter the competition in 2027 as they would likely be targeting players with roots outside of established rugby league markets.