Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has confirmed unheralded forward Aublix Tawha was in line for an NRL debut this year, as he seeks to ensure the club’s depth issues of yesteryear do not derail their quest for a maiden finals berth.

Woolf will field a close to full-strength side for the final Preseason Challenge hit out against the Titans on Saturday, with hooker Jeremy Marshall-King rested after his efforts for the Maori All Stars.

Tom Gilbert will make his return from a ruptured ACL which followed a dislocated shoulder, while Max Plath will play in the back row as Connelly Lemuelu eases back from shoulder surgery.

In the Dolphins’ two campaigns, the side was within striking distances of the top four, only for injuries and suspensions to expose their lack of depth – winning just seven of 24 games from round 13 across the 2023-24 seasons.

But the 23-year-old Tawha caught Woolf’s eye in his inaugural NRL preseason, and after a damaging display against North Queensland last week has been retained on Saturday’s extended bench.

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And Woolf was adamant Tawha could turn his development deal into an NRL berth, with players on such contracts able to be called on from round 11 onwards.

“He’s athletic, he’s fit, he trains hard, he’s tough – he’s got a lot of things I really like,” Woolf said.

“We’ve been really impressed with him through the preseason, particularly given this is his first one he’s ever done at a club. They’re a challenge, they can be really difficult for your first one in particular, and he’s handled that great.