CQ Capras Bailey Butler, Tyler Szepanowski, Lachlan Hubner, Radean Robinson to train and trial with Dolphins
See which players will get to train full-time under NRL conditions in the Dolphins’ main squad, and read what Capras’ head coach Lionel Harbin has to say about it here.
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Four CQ Capras’ players are a step closer to realising their NRL dreams, set to train and trial with the Dolphins
Middle forwards Bailey Butler, Tyler Szepanowski and Lachlan Hubner, as well as half Radean Robinson will join the squad for pre-season training starting next month.
The opportunity comes as part of the Capras’ affiliate agreement with the new NRL club, which was announced in December last year.
The quartet will train full-time under NRL conditions in the Dolphins’ main squad, which will assemble for training for the first time on November 7 under head coach Wayne Bennett.
Robinson will start later than his three Capras’ teammates as he is currently representing Italy at the Rugby League World Cup in England.
The four players are all Central Queensland products, with Butler, Hubner and Robinson from Rockhampton and Szepanowski hailing from Moranbah.
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said the club was determined to grow the game in Central Queensland and helping the Capras to improve their players was part of that commitment.
“This is a genuine opportunity for players to improve their games while training alongside athletes of the calibre of internationals like Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Origin-experienced players such as Felise Kaufusi, Anthony Milford and Tom Gilbert,” he said.
Capras’ head coach Lionel Harbin echoed those sentiments.
“This is why we’ve been really excited about this alignment with the Dolphins - it’s about creating pathways for players in our region,” he said.
“These are the first four who have been given this opportunity to go down there and train and trial with the squad.
“We’re really happy and proud of them.
“This should also provide an incentive for other players in our region, and give them something to strive for.”
Harbin said Butler, Szepanowski, Hubner and Robinson had been consistent performers for the Capras for the past two years.
Butler, a 24-year-old front rower, has played 28 Hostplus Cup matches for the Capras, including his 2022 breakthrough season where he appeared in 21 games.
Rockhampton-born lock Hubner, 22, has played 37 games for the club after making his Cup debut last year.
Hard-working front rower Szepanowski, 23, was named the club’s best forward in season 2022.
He didn’t miss a game for the Capras last year and made his 37th appearance in the team’s finals loss to minor premiers Burleigh in September 2022.
Robinson, 24, has played all 35 of his state league level matches with the Capras and this year took out the club’s award for best back.
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