NRL 2025: Dolphins prop Josh Kerr won’t be playing for unders as he chases new NRL contract

In an extraordinary interview, Dolphins prop Josh Kerr has made a startling claim about NRL clubs and declared he “won’t be taken advantage of again” as he chases a contract extension.

Rejuvenated Dolphins forward Josh Kerr has expressed his love for Redcliffe but declared he “won’t be taken advantage of again” as he chases a contract extension.

Kerr has burst back to life during the Dolphins’ giant-killing three-game winning streak that has breathed life into Redcliffe’s quest for a maiden NRL finals campaign.

After four-straight losses to kick-off the Kristian Woolf era at Redcliffe, the Dolphins have hit back with big wins against the Titans and 2024 grand finalists Penrith and Melbourne.

They have won by a combined total of 108-44 during the streak which has catapulted the Dolphins to the cusp of the top eight.

While excitement machines Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow have led the Dolphins’ resurgence, Kerr has been in sublime touch from the bench.

Josh Kerr scored a try against Melbourne. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The 29-year-old prop kicked off his professional journey with the Storm before spending five NRL seasons with the Dragons on his way to joining the Dolphins.

It has been a dream come true to play for his junior club at Redcliffe and Kerr would love nothing more than to remain at the Dolphins.

But he won’t be playing for unders, having been burnt in the past.

“I definitely do (want to stay),” he said.

“We’ve had chats with my manager and missus and that too, I’m very happy and comfortable here. It’s my junior club, I want to see it succeed.

“However, I’ve done the thing in the past where I thought I was playing for love at a club but you learn very quickly it’s a business and they don’t really give a shit.

“There’s a difference between loving a club and wanting to play for it and then them having a look at that and taking advantage of that.

“I’m never going to be put in that position ever again and as hard as it could be (to leave) … I want to stay, but I will never do that again.

“I will never be that person that gets taken advantage of by a club ever again, that’s something I’m very strong on.”

Kerr played 68 games for the Dragons before joining the Dolphins midway through their 2023 foundation NRL season.

He has found himself in and out of the team at times, but is pinching himself at how his NRL journey has panned out after failing to crack the NRL in Melbourne.

Kerr has been in strong form. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“To play 100 games against them for Dolphins … I love this, this is honestly insane to me,” he said.

“I love it, this is a dead set f****ing fairy tale. I’m telling you. Mate, I just can’t believe it.

“I’m with the Dolphins. I got to play 100 games at Suncorp Stadium – the bees knees of stadiums, by the way.

“What are the chances of that happening? It’s a pretty special feeling.”

Kerr will most likely remain at Redcliffe but his recent form surge may catch the eye of rival clubs.

At his best, Kerr is a dynamic bench weapon capable of changing games from the interchange. But he has been prone to making errors, something he has minimised in recent weeks.

He has embraced life as a bench forward, although the Dolphins could be on the lookout for starters in next week’s trip to Canberra following injuries to Max Plath (foot) and Felise Kaufusi (knee).

“I really always wanted to be a starting player because growing up, your starters were your better middles and they’re kind of the guys they trusted more,” he said.

“But I think as the game’s evolved, there’s a big spot for impact players off the bench, you can change the game and you have got to swallow your pride and ego a little bit too.

“Whether that means it’s me playing shorter minutes, but doing more output, well if that’s what’s best for the team, that’s what’s best for the team.

“If I ever get comfortable thinking I’m playing well, well then that’s when my career’s going to start becoming over I guess.

“I’m always looking at something to do better.”