Dolphins open up NRL opportunities for two more

Author: The Dolphins NRL media
Timestamp: Fri 6 May 2022, 02:20 PM

The Dolphins have added two more signings for their entry to the NRL competition next year, plucking two players straight out of Queensland Rugby League pathways.

Former Wests Tigers, Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights’ front rower JJ Collins will be part of the Dolphins’ 30-man squad next year, while impressive young prop Ryan Jackson has also signed with the club.

Collins has been one of the stand-out middle forwards in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup this year, averaging 127 running metres and 50 minutes on the field through Tweed Heads Seagulls’ first five matches of the season.

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A Logan Brothers junior and Queensland Schoolboys and Maroons Under 20 representative, Collins won the national championship with Keebra Park High School.

Jackson hails from Brisbane and is part of the 2022 Queensland Under 18 Emerging Origin squad.

At just 18 years of age, Jackson stands at 195 centimetres and weighs 108 kilograms, and is currently playing in the QRL’s Hastings Deering Colts competition after starring for Wynnum Manly Seagulls in their Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup team.

“The Dolphins will continue to sign talent from Queensland pathways as we honour our pledge to build a team with a long-term future,” Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said.

“It is great to be adding two Brisbane-born front rowers to our list – one who has NRL experience with other teams and now gets a chance with a Queensland-based NRL club, and another who is just starting out on his rugby league journey.

“One of the key outcomes of adding the Dolphins to the NRL was to provide more opportunities for local Queensland-based players to compete at the highest level.

“JJ Collins and Ryan Jackson will now get that chance with the Dolphins when our first pre-season training sessions start in November.”