Redcliffe Dolphins

WINNING back-to-back premierships is undoubtedly the goal for the Redcliffe Dolphins’ Intrust Super Cup side, but the pressure to take out the competition is no different to any other season.

The Redcliffe Dolphins celebrate their Grand Final win over Easts Tigers in the Intrust Super Cup. Picture: Peter Wallis

WINNING back-to-back premierships is undoubtedly the goal for the Redcliffe Dolphins’ Intrust Super Cup side, but the pressure to take out the competition will be no different to any other season, according to general manager of football Grant Cleal.

The Dolphins won their first premiership in 12 years when they beat Easts Tigers 36-22 at Suncorp Stadium in September.

Grant says all the usual superlatives applied to this moment — unbelievable, magnificent and glorious. “I’ve been on holidays and every now and then, it catches you again … that feeling,” he says. “It only feels that good because they worked so hard. If it came easy, it wouldn’t have felt that good.”

The Redcliffe Dolphins celebrate their 2018 Grand Final win over Easts Tigers in the Intrust Super Cup. Picture: Peter Wallis

Grant says it’s not a cliche to say it takes an entire club to win a premiership — everyone from the cleaners to the grounds and office staff; to the coaches, player development staff, sponsors, players and their families.

“It just can’t happen without all these people,” he says.

“Our main goal would be to go back-to-back. It would be only the third time (in history) and the second time for us. It’s a big effort to do that.

“We don’t feel any more pressure than we normally do. It’s been a club for a long time to have high expectations of its team. We’re all accustomed to that type of expectation.

“Have our expectations changed from last year to this year? No.”

Redcliffe Dolphins players Jordan Grant, Gerard McCallum and Jamil Hopoate ahead of the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season. Picture: Dominika Lis

Grant’s confident they are doing the work and have the squad that can meet those expectations.

The team will be without Toby Rudolf (off to Cronulla), Moses Pangai (Wynnum), Tom Opacic (North Queensland Cowboys), Jonus Pearson (St George-Illawarra Dragons) and Sam Anderson who is returning to Newcastle (Maitland Pickers).

Grant says the side will be looking to Will Partridge and Jedi Simbiken to step up.

The Mackay Cutters’ two best players have also been signed to fill the boots of Toby Rudolph and Sam Anderson, the Dolphins’ No. 1 and 2 from 2018. Jordon Grant will play in Sam’s position and his front row partner Nick Brown will join him.

Sparks are expected to fly when the Dolphins and Cutters play each other in round 11 in Mackay.

“They will be breathing fire,” Grant says.

Redcliffe Dolphins player Jamil Hopoate ahead of the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season. Picture: Dominika Lis

The Dolphins’ season kicks off March 9 when they face the Northern Pride in Cairns in what will be a good test for the side straight up.

Grant says the Pride, which is affiliated with the North Queensland Cowboys, will be fit and hungry for a first-round win — but so will the Redcliffe Dolphins.