More than a trial clash looms for the Dolphins, with their forthcoming contest to provide an insight into what the future holds for the men hopeful of becoming the club’s long-term enforcers.

Ryan Jackson and Michael Waqa will get their opportunity to prove they had the tools to one-day replace an ageing forward pack, and force their way into a 2025 NRL debut when they take on the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday.

Mark Nicholls (35), Felise Kaufusi (32) and Kenny Bromwich (33) are off contract this year, marquee prop Thomas Flegler is not expected to return from nerve damage in his shoulder until mid-year at the earliest and Jesse Bromwich has retired.

Jackson in particular has served his apprenticeship – managing 34 games for Redcliffe and the Capras across three seasons, averaging 70 running metres and 15 tackles an outing.

Waqa, meanwhile, has shown his impact potential – impressing in a 42-minute stint off the bench against the Papua New Guinea Hunters with 137 metres and five tackle busts, while he missed just two tackles from 47 attempts in his three appearances last year.

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“Their future … it’s hard for me to answer, I haven’t seen those guys play much, and they’re still young forwards. Forwards a lot of them time, especially front rowers, don’t mature until their mid-20s,” Dolphins assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn said.

“But the same thing for them is what I want to see from the whole team – the stuff they’ve been doing out on the field here and how hard they’ve been working, and producing it on the field.

“If they do that, then I’m sure they’ll get more opportunities over the next few weeks, and then hopefully push their way into an opportunity in the season.