Dolphins backrower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is reaping the benefits of going 'all in' this season with competition for spots keeping the Origin hopeful full of motivation.
The Queensland Maroons hopeful was a standout in his last game, with 222 metres from 20 runs, earning himself a Dally M vote, despite his team losing 26-12 to the Broncos.
Finefeuiaki said advice from coach Kristian Woolf and star halfback Isaiya Katoa had helped him find another level to his game this year.
“(In) previous years I reckon I've been holding back in a few games, so I reckon this year I took it up a notch.
“There's always a little kick from Issy too, and during the game he's the one that's been telling me to take backfield carriers which has helped my game as well, so I'll give credits to Issy there.
“He's been helping me, even though we're the same age, he's got more experience than me, so whatever he says to me, I just take it on the board and try to do what he says …
“Woolfy always wants me to get my hands on the ball and just carry hard, so if I do my job for the team and I carry hard, I feel like I get us on the front foot, so I just got to keep doing that.
“We've got plenty of good back rowers in our team … we learn off each other, we do extras at the end and my spot's not guaranteed and no other spot's guaranteed in the team.
“We have all just got to work hard and do our job, then whoever gets picked gets picked, and if you don't, then it is what it is."
This week, the Dolphins host the Manly Sea Eagles who who’ll be looking for fresh start under new coach and favourite son Kieran Foran.
Finefeuiaki said the side were focused on themselves and fixing up the areas that let them down in their loss to the Broncos in a hard-fought 'Battle for Brisbane' derby.
“I reckon we just don't think about it too much, this week we're just focusing on us," Finefeuiaki said.
“I know they lost their coach there and they're going to come out firing, so, we've just got to be up for the game and that's going to be a good game at Kayo.
All Tries - Broncos v Dolphins - Round 4, 2026
“I reckon it just comes down to our discipline.
“We let Broncs off the hook a few times in the game and just gave them more possession down their end and they scored points off it ...
"I reckon if we just clean up our discipline and our attack inside the goal line, I reckon we just need to clean up and I reckon we'll be alright.”
While the first game at Accor Stadium is still a couple of months away, it’s never too early for punters to speculate on origin selection, with the Tonga international’s strong early season form turning heads.
A member of Bill Slater’s extended squad last year, Finefeuiaki - who is also eligible for Samoa at this year’s Rugby League World Cup - said taking the next step would be a dream come true.
“It would mean the world," Finefeuiaki said.
“Moving over from New Zealand when I was 11-12, I've been watching Origin growing up ...
"A special player to watch was probably Greg Inglis, the way he played Origin and the way he took on opponents and if I get to put on that jersey one day, it'd be a dream come true.
“But right now I'm just focused on playing good footy for the Dolphins and whatever happens down the track, happens.”
Match: Dolphins v Sea Eagles
Round 5 -
home Team
Dolphins
8th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
14th Position
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
