The Dolphins have taken the NRL by storm in their first month in the big leagues, but as the ravages of the season take their toll on the competition's newest club, the real challenge is just beginning.
With three wins and a close loss to Brisbane to show for their first four matches, Wayne Bennett's side has exceeded all expectations except its own.
But with a growing injury list and a key star still missing through suspension, a new challenge is about to begin for the Dolphins as they settle into the week-to-week grind of life in the NRL.
They paid a heavy toll in the Battle of Brisbane, losing halfback Sean O'Sullivan to a long-term pectoral injury and Kodi Nikorima to concussion, while Tesi Niu battled a knee injury through most of the match.
With O'Sullivan facing several months out and backrow hitman Felise Kaufusi still sidelined due to suspension for the next three weeks, the club's over-achieving squad must once again dig deep – starting with this weekend's clash with the Dragons.
"We always knew it was going to be a long season, and the good teams go week for week, learn from their losses and bounce back," said backrower Tom Gilbert.
"We have a squad of 35, and we know we have players who can get the job done, regardless of who comes into the team.
"We've come together quite quickly; we had to, and what it's created is a healthy culture where we enjoy playing for each other, and that's why we dig deep in tough moments.
"We don't do it for ourselves; we do it because we don't want to let our mates down."
Rookie halfback Isaiya Katoa and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King will both return this weekend in a welcome boost for Bennett's side, but it remains to be seen if they can repeat the high-effort form of their first four matches.
For his part, Gilbert has been one of the club's great success stories this year and was in the thick of the action against the Broncos with his all-action style.
The Queensland Origin forward's intensity and physicality helped his side stand up to the hardy Broncos pack even as injuries mounted.
His effort to valiantly chase down Kotoni Staggs in the final seconds as the Broncos centre went the length of the field to secure victory typified the fight the Dolphins showed in their early days, which is the same spirit they will need if they are to sustain their hot start.
"It's just perspective. Maybe if I chase him in the corner and they miss the kick, if we can get the ball back, we're still in the game," Gilbert said.
"That's something that gets drilled in from coaches, but it's something we're big on; it's something we want to be known for regardless of the time of the game.
"If someone else was in my position, they'd have done the same thing.
"It was tough, but it was an awesome game to be a part of, and it went down to the wire, but the better team won.
"They [the Broncos] were the better footy side, they completed high, they had good discipline, but we stuck in there because we competed hard and we showed good effort."
