NRL draw lifts prime time Dolphins to kings of Brisbane

The rise of the Dolphins as one of the NRL's biggest drawcards has been recognised by the league with their 2025 draw placing them in prime position to be the new club kings of Brisbane.

Having rated through the roof on free-to-air television, the Dolphins have been awarded 12 games on Channel Nine for the 2025 season, just one fewer than the Broncos, who have a 36-year history in the top league.

It is a remarkable recognition of the Dolphins' progress in what will be just their third NRL season.

The club now boasts charismatic Test performers in Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth and Isaiya Katoa, who bring the type of star power previously associated with the Broncos.

Seven of the Dolphins' home games will be at Suncorp Stadium on free-to-air TV on Thursday or Friday night in prime time .

Rugby league has realised the pulling power of the Dolphins, with the 'Battle of Brisbane' at Suncorp against the Broncos now the premium derby clash on the calendar.

"We had a challenging draw last year from a scheduling point of view but this year we couldn't be happier," Dolphins CEO Terry Reader told AAP.

"The draw we have is going to be fantastic for our members and fans to get along to some of our biggest games in the league.

"It is an exciting start with five of our first seven games at home including several blockbusters.

"For the first time we host Penrith at Suncorp Stadium (in round six). We have a Good Friday clash with the Storm and we don't have to wait long for the Battle of Brisbane, which is our home game in round four, not to forget welcoming Wayne (Bennett) back to Suncorp in round one when we line up against South Sydney."

The  Dolphins have bumped the Broncos out of the prime Friday night slot at Magic Round when they will host the Sydney Roosters in a clash that will honour the late Arthur Beetson, who captained both clubs.

"It is a wonderful endorsement," Reader said.

"We have a history and heritage with the Roosters through Artie with the man of the match awarded the Arthur Beetson Medal. Fus (Felise Kaufusi) won it in the first year and let's hope he is at his devastating best in Magic Round."

The Dolphins have been written off in some quarters as not being a premiership threat in the immediate future.

Outgoing coach Bennett said at the club's presentation night the Dolphins would become a great club in the years ahead and taste success.

Hope remains that star prop Thomas Flegler will be back from a shoulder injury to join lock Tom Gilbert, who will return from an ACL rupture in 2025.

"The club is very confident with where we sit with our roster," Reader said.

"We will hopefully get our two Toms back next year and we have added Daniel Saifiti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Junior Tupou and Max Feagai.

"We are very happy with our squad and under (coach) Kristian Woolf we will have a team that will be competitive and never give up. That's been a trademark of the Dolphins since we started and nothing is going to change."