Dolphins forward Oryn Keeley is the pack's new smiling assassin and ready to set the standard in aggression epitomised by veteran Felise Kaufusi.
Former Melbourne enforcer Kaufusi, known as "Fus'', can sometimes take that too far, as evidenced by his recent dangerous tackle that accidentally broke the leg of Warriors forward Jacob Laban and resulted in a two-match suspension.
However, Kaufusi, now a Dolphins prop, made a name for himself as an edge back-rower weapon who terrorised ball carriers on the way to winning two titles at the Storm.
Keeley, just 22, has been a revelation for the Dolphins in their recent impressive rise to eighth place on the NRL ladder, and he has another big job to do against Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
A foot injury in the pre-season curtailed his early impact in 2025, but since coming into the side on a regular basis against Canterbury in round 13 Keeley has played every game and the Dolphins have won six from eight.
His attitude and impact were on show in the 56-6 win over St George-Illawarra when he crunched fullback Clint Gutherson in a classic ball-and-all tackle after an enthusiastic kick-chase.
There was a classic confrontation of sorts where the pair, with their faces millimetres apart, were captured exchanging beaming grins.
