The Dolphins

In his second season back with the Warriors after three years at the Sharks, Johnson turned the clock back the golden days of 2014 when he collected the Golden Boot as the world's best player.

The home side got off to a flyer in the sixth minute when Johnson produced a superb solo try from close range, leaving Dolphins skipper Jesse Bromwich in his wake with slick footwork.

The Warriors threatened to go further ahead in the 11th minute but some desperation defence by Euan Aitken around the legs and Tesi Niu up high denied Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

With ex-Storm forwards Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi in the Dolphins pack, the game exploded early with Origin ramifications for Queensland.  

The Maroons selection hopes of Kaufusi are in doubt after he was sin-binned for a high shot on Melbourne prop Christian Welsh in just the second minute of the match against his former club.

Kaufusi only recently returned after serving a four-match ban for a late tackle on Knights playmaker Jackson Hastings and any suspension will rule him out of Maroons selection.

Bennett has waited 18 months to unleash Kiwi wrecking ball Valynce Te Whare and the 183rd player to be given his debut by the super coach made an immediate impression.

Te Whare - a raw but powerful rugby union convert, who has been biding his time with the Dolphins feeder team in the Queensland Cup - scored a try in each half as the new franchise produced a typical Bennett effort.

Hunters centre Rodrick Tai and fullback Morea Morea have both been invited to train with The Dolphins NRL squad over the next month as they continue their rugby league development.

Tai, who spent the offseason in Redcliffe under the watchful eye of Wayne Bennett, rejoins The Dolphins training squad this week on the back of a compelling start to the Hostplus Cup season. The strike centre has two tries and an average 129 running metres from four games this year to consistently be one of the Hunters best.

Wayne Bennett's men headed north without inspirational skipper Jesse Bromwich and playmakers Sean O'Sullivan and Anthony Milford, but exploded out of the blocks with an early double to Jamayne Isaako and never looked back.

In Round 7 they come up against South Sydney, the club Bennett led to the 2021 grand final and a side riding high after a Good Friday demolition of the Bulldogs.

After conceding 80 points in their losses to the Broncos and Sharks, the Red V discovered their defensive resolve to restrict the Dolphins to just two tries.

As is so often the case, skipper Ben Hunt was the driving force behind the victory with a try, seven tackle breaks and a try assist as the Dragons spoiled the party for rival captain Jesse Bromwich's 300th NRL game.

Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako had a chance to open the scoring in the 12th minute after Jacob Liddle was penalised for a strip but the attempt sailed wide.

With heavy rain falling throughout the second half it was the forwards who led the way for the Dolphins, laying the foundation for halfback Sean O'Sullivan and Tabuai-Fidow to work their magic.

The Raiders were first to strike in the 14th minute when Jack Wighton took a pass from Danny Levi and powered over from close to the line.

A loose offload by Tesi Niu in the slippery conditions handed the Raiders a chance to extend their lead but Dolphins skipper Jesse Bromwich came up with a one-on-one steal on Hudson Young to defuse the situation.

The NRL's newest franchise simply outclassed an error-riddled Roosters in front of over 32,000 as Bennett's side capped off celebrations honouring the late Arthur Beetson.

Former Bulldogs hooker Jeremy Marshall-King starred to link well with halves Sean O'Sullivan and Isaiya Katoa seamlessly while veteran forwards Jesse Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Mark Nicholls showed age is no barrier in 2023.

With scores locked at half-time, the Dolphins produced an incredible second half of football, running in three tries in 10 minutes to run away with victory.

On paper, the Roosters have one of the best sides in the competition and their loyal fans will be eager to see what new combinations Trent Robinson has come up with during the pre-season.

The match will be the first for marquee recruit Brandon Smith in Roosters colours and he showed enough quality touches in the Pre-Season Challenge to suggest he's in for a big year.

Farnworth will join the Dolphins for the 2024 season after completing his commitments with the Broncos later this year.

The move should be a familiar one for Farnworth, who has lived in Brisbane since 2017 after relocating from England to chase his NRL dream.

The Dolphins play seven matches each year out of Suncorp Stadium, the home ground they share with Farnworth’s current club.

His signature is a true prize for the Dolphins, who attempted to sign the scintillating back for their debut season of 2023.