Max Plath and Kurt Donoghoe are the two players reportedly in the mix to wear the Dolphins' number nine jumper to start the 2026 season. The Dolphins, who will chase their first ever finals appearance again in 2026 after narrowly missing out in 2025 despite being the NRL's highest-scoring team, will be without Jeremy Marshall-King to begin their surge. The former Bulldog is expected to be out for at least the first six rounds as he recovers from a knee injury. Plath is expected to eventually play at lock once Marshall-King is fit, with Tom Gilbert lining up in the second-row in what is an excellent forward pack that will also feature a returning Thomas Flegler. Marshall-King's most likely return date is Round 7 against the Penrith Panthers at home.