The National Rugby League's newest club is working to expand its reach to regional Queensland.
The club has formed a development partnership with the Waves Sports Club in Bundaberg in the Wide Bay region, north of Brisbane.
The partnership will fund a full-time game development officer to provide assistance at schools and clubs in the local region.
Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said it was important the regions were not forgotten.
"One thing we've been really conscious of ever since we won that bid is to make sure we had a meaningful presence in central Queensland," he said.
"It is not just about finding the next footballer but it's about getting more boys and girls to play the game and also being in schools and talking about education and being better people."
The Dolphins' inaugural head coach and seven-time premiership winner Wayne Bennett supported the focus on regional Queensland.
"I can't tell you how many times I've had conversations with the powers that be about the Bundabergs, the Rockhamptons and the Maryboroughs," he said.
"I was brought up in Queensland and I played football in these places — in rep teams and coached with different sides.
"I played with some of those guys, so I'm looking forward to what we can do here with this partnership."
Fostering the next generation of talent
The Wide Bay has been the breeding ground for many great NRL players including brothers Antonio and Felise Kaufusi and more recently Penrith Panther J'maine Hopgood who yesterday signed a two-year deal to join the Paramatta Eels from next season.
The Canterbury Bulldogs will play premiership games in Bundaberg starting this season and Mr Reader said the Dolphins wanted to be a part of the fixture.
"Wayne and I have already met with Gus [Phil Gould] and the chairman of the Dogs about what that looks like in 2024 because that deal's got a few years to run," he said.
Waves club committee member Tony Castro said it was an exciting partnership.
"We're very proud to be part of this partnership with the Dolphins, it's very exciting," he said.
"They've identified the region as a great opportunity to foster and promote the sport of rugby league, which is also our charter here at the Waves where we foster, promote, and encourage participation in sport."
Wayne Bennett said he was excited about the way his club was developing.
"I've been a long time in the NRL and I'm excited about what we're doing because it's genuine and we're really putting something back into the game, which I've always believed in," he said.
"With the Waves and other organisations behind us I think it's a great benefit and it's much to look forward to.
"The pathways will be here, and they'll get the opportunities.
"They may not finish up at the Dolphins but they'll get opportunities to go to other clubs as well. Other clubs will be looking at them."
