The hotly contested battle for Dolphins second-row spots is indicative of a race for positions in the pack, which will see highly rated forwards miss out on a round-one berth.
Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Oryn Keeley lead the second-row contest, but captain Tom Gilbert, who will return from a pec/shoulder injury in the trials, has already said he is training more in the back row than as a middle this pre-season.
The comeback of Gilbert, a certain starter against South Sydney on March 8, adds an extra dimension to the pleasant headache confronting coach Kristian Woolf.
Veteran Felise Kaufusi, who made his name as an edge defender, is now used more as a prop in his twilight years.
Lemuelu, who played most of his 20 games last season on the bench, has laid his cards on the table.
"Back row is my position and I am doing all I can to get that starting spot," he said.
"I'll back myself every day of the week. It is up to me to keep working hard."
The Dolphins have missed finals by two competition points the past two seasons, and defensive lapses have been a major reason.
Lemuelu is an attacking weapon, with his nine tries and 13 line breaks last year a reflection of what he offers. His tackle efficiency of more than 90 per cent the past three seasons is impressive enough, but he must up the ante.
It is why the 27-year-old and all the Dolphins players have made strides with their fitness.
"The attacking side of my game comes a bit more naturally, but if you are fitter and not as tired at the end of games you can make better decisions with contact in the tackle," Lemuelu said.
"This season we want to be physical, fit, and we have got to be better defensively."
Aside from the Gilbert factor, Lemuelu has his work cut out to win a starting position. Tonga international Finefeuiaki started in all of his 20 NRL games in the back row last season.
Keeley, who joins Melbourne next year, was a starter in 14 of his 16 matches in 2025, and the fact he is leaving for the Storm won't hinder his chances.
"With Oryn there is a lot of enthusiasm, and he is quite loud as well. He will be pushing for a spot," Lemuelu said.
Lock/hooker Max Plath (ACL) and rake Jeremy Marshall-King (meniscus) are set to miss the opening three to four rounds.
Prop Daniel Saifiti had shoulder surgery last year and missed the final 19 rounds. He told SEN radio that he was no certainty to play the Rabbitohs.
"It's been a slow process. I'm over six months post-surgery and it's taken a bit longer (than expected)," Saifiti said.
"It's coming along nicely now. It's just getting there.
"I'll be touch-and-go for round one, only because I started contact training so late."
Those early omissions keep the door open for the fit and healthy pack members to make a statement in the trials.
