The Dolphins have confirmed upgraded contracts for Lewis Symonds, Zac Garton, and Kilarney Lavender, securing their spots in the NRL Top 30 for 2027 and beyond.
Symonds and Garton will stay until the end of 2028. Symonds, who debuted in Round 8 this year against the Warriors, also captained the Dolphins NRLQ (Under-21s) to the Grand Final, though they lost to the Cowboys. His leadership and performance earned him a call-up to the Central Queensland Capras, where he played 14 games and became a key figure in the engine room during 2026.
Rising Stars Secure Future with Dolphins
Symonds’s progression highlights the Dolphins’ ability to nurture talent, while Garton’s promotion from a development contract shows his growth. Garton has been a standout in the back row and lock, appearing in eight games for the Capras this season. His consistency and physicality have made him a vital asset across the Dolphins’ system.
Lavender, meanwhile, has signed until 2030, ensuring his long-term future at Redcliffe. He came off the bench for the Queensland Maroons Under-19s in their one-point win over NSW last year, showcasing his ability under pressure. The year prior, he starred for Queensland City Under-17s in a 50-24 victory, further cementing his potential.
Lavender’s Long-Term Deal and Backline Opportunities
Lavender’s four-year deal positions him as a strong contender for an NRL debut in 2027, especially with Jamayne Isaako departing this year, opening up space in the backline. His dominating 2026 NRLQ campaign in the centres has accelerated his development, making him a key figure in the Dolphins’ future plans.
Former NRL star Matty Johns recently praised the Dolphins’ pathways program, predicting they could become the next dominant force in the league. “I reckon they could be the Melbourne Storm of the next 10-15 years,” Johns said on SEN The Run Home with Joel and Fletch. He also mentioned, “I went through; they (Daily Telegraph) had a thing about the top 100 young players coming through the grades and the pathways.”
The NRL side will host the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, vying for a spot in the Grand Final, just four years into their existence as an NRL franchise, a remarkable achievement for the league’s newest expansion side.