Been there, done that: Flegler's finals experience key for Phins

Dolphins enforcer Tom Flegler is hoping his finals experience can help his team as they navigate their maiden voyage through September football.

The former Bronco has some “mixed emotions” about his past forays into finals football and will be hoping for third time lucky this year.

Making his finals debut off the bench for Brisbane in their 58-0 loss to the Parramatta in 2019, his last finals appearance was in 2023, where he scored the opening try before the Panthers mounted a stunning comeback to win 26-24.

“It's obviously very exciting, first time Dolphins are playing the finals, so it's a big milestone for the club," Flegler said.

“I think there's a few mixed feelings (with regards to finals memories) ... I've obviously only played finals twice in my life and the first time, I got about 60 points put on us.

“So it's obviously very exciting for the club, for the team and individually for all the players to be in a position to do something special this year.

“I went to the grand final in ‘23 and didn't get that lucky, but we haven't got a lot of boys here that have played in finals in general, so the boys that have played in finals; you have got to pass on a little bit of experience and hopefully that can become of use.

“(Finals are) a bit like representative footy, obviously, you've got a lot more to lose.

“You get knocked out, every game you play it could be your last, so you play like it's your last and fingers crossed you can get the job done."

For Dolphins skipper Isaiya Katoa, while featuring in finals will be a new experience, during his early years as part of Penrith’s development system, he saw first-hand how success was built.

As a halfback, he also gained valuable insight watching four-time premiership winner Nathan Cleary go about his business.

"I did have a bit of experience with some of the first graders when I was at Penrith, but if anything, what I took away from the club was around everyone nailing their own individual role and just making sure you're clear on that," Katoa said. 

"What it does for your team mates is a massive thing.

"So for us, I think that's a massive focus for us and we've tried to build that over the last few years at the club.

"Just around everyone nailing their role, being clear around their role, because then you can go out there and have the confidence that you can back your ability to go out there and make plays and make the right decisions as well.