In a milestone moment, the Dolphins have reportedly announced their first signing as the long road to building an NRL team begins.
The Dolphins have begun building their NRL roster, reportedly recruiting a highly-touted Queensland junior as their first signing.
The NRL’s 17th team has signed former Queensland under-18 representative Harrison Graham, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
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The report states the Dolphins have signed Graham on a development contract with the potential to be upgraded to an NRL contract if he is deemed ready to play rugby league at the highest level when the team joins the competition in 2023.
However, the 20-year-old also has a train-and-trial contract with the Brisbane Broncos for the upcoming pre-season and he could make an appearance in the NRL in 2022 if he is picked by the Broncos.
Regarded as one of the most promising up-and-coming hookers in the game, Graham put his name up in lights earlier this year with a man of the match performance playing playing for the U20s side of the Queensland Cup’s Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Hastings Deering Colts competition.
He also represented Queensland in the 2019 under 18’s State of Origin game in, coming off the bench for the Maroons at the age of 17.
That Queensland side included the likes of Cowboys winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Warriors fullback Reece Walsh, Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker, Broncos fullback Tesi Niu, Melbourne recruit Xavier Coates and Wests Tigers hooker Jake Simpkin.
The recruitment of Graham is a low-key start to what will be a long process for the Dolphins to build a 30-player roster ready to join the NRL in 2023.
There had been some speculation the expansion team wanted its first signing to be a marquee player such as Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster or Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga.
Originally published as Dolphins reveal first signing for NRL roster
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