In the absence of a trio of Maroons stars and gun centre Herbie Farnworth, the next generation of Dolphins showed on Thursday night that the club’s future is in good hands.
Headlined by 18-year-old debutant Brian Pouniu, the Phins' emerging talent stepped up to fill the void and secure the Dolphins a 30-22 victory, marking the first time in the club's short history they have won four straight.
For Pouiniu, who has come through the Dolphin’s development pathways, his journey to first grade has not been an easy one.
The teenager’s brother Joseph, who was in attendance cheering him on for his debut, was set to join the Titans’ top 30 squad back in 2024.
However, his own NRL dreams were tragically cut short in 2023 after an on-field accident left him a quadriplegic.
Tevita Naufahu Try
Brian decided to channel his brother’s unfinished dream into his own football journey, progressing through the Dolphins academy system before earning his NRL debut against the Raiders.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf praised the young centre’s performance after the match.
"Brian Pouniu had his debut there as an 18-year-old man and he didn’t quite get his defensive read right early in the game but he certainly fixed that up,’ Woolf said.
“I thought he looked every bit of first grade tonight so I’m really proud of him.
From the field: Isaiya Katoa
"He had the whole family there, so he looked really proud, and he should be really proud too.
"He's got a bit of a journey there, and it's great seeing him get the opportunity, but do so well at it as well.”
Pouinu was joined in the backline by 20-year-old Tevita Naufahu, who debuted in Round 8 last year and now boasts seven tries in nine NRL games.
One challenge for these young players stepping up is the temptation to imitate established stars but captain Isaiya Katoa said the key message to the likes of Pouniu and Naufahu was to stay grounded.
“One thing that I asked the boys coming in was to just come in and be yourself. You don’t need anyone coming in trying to be Hamiso or Herbie Farnworth, just come in and be yourself," Katoa said.
“I’m really proud of the boys. I think back to last year and through the injuries we had and a lot of those guys who played tonight had to step up last year.”
