Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi believes the allure of achieving “something special” will keep his off-contract teammates from being lured to rival outfits, despite the looming selection battle that leaves even his own place in the NRL uncertain for the first time in 13 years. The veteran proved one of the club’s saviours last year in an injury-plagued forward pack – managing 16 games either side of knee surgery to help keep his side’s finals ambitions alive heading into the final round of the campaign. But despite boasting two premierships and 17 State of Origin caps for Queensland, Kaufusi faces a rare stint on the outer as coach Kristian Woolf prepares to welcome back Thomas Flegler, Daniel Saifiti, Tom Gilbert and Max Plath from season-ending setbacks. Felise Kaufusi in action for the Dolphins against the Cronulla Sharks. Credit: NRL PhotosSuper League champion Morgan Knowles’ arrival at Redcliffe has added another contender for the middle forward rotation, while Kurt Donoghoe’s emergence as a lock and Francis Molo’s mid-year signing in 2025 has Woolf blessed with options at full strength.