While new franchise Dolphins have drawn criticism for not signing a star player for their first NRL campaign, they will have one of the most feared forwards in the competition.
As superstar players like Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga and Jahrome Hughes defeated the Dolphins, the club quietly managed to steal Melbourne Storm striker Felise Kaufusi and Bromwich brothers Jesse and Kenny.
Kaufusi, who played in 174 games for the Storm along with 14 caps for Queensland and four caps for Australia and seven Tests for Tonga, is poised to be one of Dolphin’s shrewdest signings.
After growing up in Bundaberg, in the Wide Bay region north of Brisbane, he told Daily Mail Australia that it was hard to leave the Storm but he was happy to be home.
‘It was always going to be tough man, I love the club. I love Melbourne Storm, the people there, the city itself, I think it’s my favorite city in Australia,’ he said.
Kaufusi is happy to be back at home in Queensland and will be a key part of the Dolphins package in his first NRL season
Having the Bronwich brothers join him from the Melbourne Storm is helping Kaufusi with combinations at his new club
‘It was difficult for me, but at the end of the day I had to make a decision for myself personally and for my family.
‘I think it’s an incredible opportunity that we have.
‘Queensland is my home. I grew up in Bundaberg, a small regional town, and that means a lot to me. To be that much closer to the family, it’s much easier for them to get to me or for me to get home.’
Brothers Jesse Bromwich and Kenny Bromwich are seen talking during a Dolphins NRL training session at Kayo Stadium
Making the transition easier for Kaufusi is having big boppers Kenny and Jesse alongside him on the pitch at his new club.
But he revealed that they made him sweat thinking they were coming north.
‘It’s huge man, I was so happy when they announced they were coming,’ he said.
“They were very quiet to be honest, I expected them to give me something but I found out when everyone else did.
‘I’m glad they came, it just makes it more comfortable. I played most of my career with these boys.
‘There’s a fair amount of confidence and I know what I’m going to get.’
Kaufusi also revealed the tough conversation he had with Storm manager Craig Bellamy to let him know he would not be staying in the Victorian capital.
“I called him into the contract process and obviously he gave me his blessings,” he said.
‘He told me that, as much as they wanted to keep me, it would be foolish not to take advantage of this opportunity.
‘I’m at a point in my career, and where they are with the players, I had to sign.’
Tom Gilbert is surrounded by the defense, including Kaufusi, during a Dolphins NRL training session at Kayo Stadium
Kaufusi identified the young Queensland striker as a player to watch for the Dolphins in his first season
It’s not just the Storm players that will make the Dolphins’ engine room something to fear in 2023.
The club have also signed hard workers such as 2022 grand finalist Ray Stone of Parramatta and emerging star Tom Gilbert of the North Queensland Cowboys.
After a difficult pre-season leading up to the first season, Kaufusi was impressed with Gilbert in particular.
“I like what I see of Tommy Gilbert,” he said.
‘He’s so relentless, a hard worker, and that’s the kind of player I love to play with.
‘He just grabs the bull by the horns and goes as hard as he can, so I’m looking forward to building those combinations with Tommy Gilbert and hopefully we’ll have a good year.
‘A lot of young people are coming in and I think they are looking at me as an older, experienced, senior player and I’m more than happy to show them how it works.
‘I hope they can learn a little from me.’
Kaufusi will be part of the original Stan Dawn of the Dolphins documentary series – chronicling the rise of the Redcliffe Dolphins from their announcement as the 17th team in the NRL, to their first Test games airing from 6 March.