Kawana’s ins and outs ahead of fast-approaching season

The teenage talent that propelled Kawana Dolphins to a premiership charge are unlikely to feature in 2021, but new signings are imminent.

Dakota Tolhurst (left) and Tommy Hearn (right) have been confirmed by coach Andrew Hinson (top right) to play for Kawana Dolphins again in 2021. Photos: File

The teenage talent that propelled Kawana Dolphins to a premiership charge are unlikely to feature for the club in 2021, however coach Andrew Hinson has confidence they can be replaced.

A lot can change in 18 months since the young Dolphins took to the competition by storm under Hinson, with a late season flurry to eventually finish third.

That success has come at a cost, with the Sunshine Coast Falcons cherry picking the best of their crop.

Hinson said he was unlikely to be able to call upon youngsters Jaiden Zanchetta, Kaleb Sutton, Joe Lowe, Henderson Godrey or Zac Short. Joel Bissett is also out through injury.

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Kawana Dolphins youngsters Kaleb Sutton, Joe Lowe, Jaiden Zanchetta, Zac Short, Jai Smoothy and Blake Scholten.

"It's tremendous for them, they deserve their shot," Hinson said.

"I'd love to have them play for us, but it will be a week to week thing."

Club stalwarts Tom Hearn, Joel Fitzgerald and Travis and Devlin Long are all confirmed as starters for 2021 as is gun outside back Dakota Tolhurst.

The season kicks off in early March meaning the club will have one month of pre-season to go before games.

"Some of those guys are Kawana through and through, it's great to have them back," he said.

"The Long boys and Joel (Fitzgerald), they've been here forever and a day and are the backbone of the club.

"They really bought in to our culture change and embraced it.

"Tommy Hearn reckons he has one more season in him which is tremendous."

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Hinson kept his cards close to his chest regarding new signings but said there were a number of "key" players who would join in coming weeks.

"There's a couple of guys from out west, Toowoomba and Roma way, then a couple of New Zealand guys," he said.

"I'm pretty happy with who we have recruited."

Hinson said the Dolphins will ramp up training this week ahead of trial games in February.

He said all the boys were raring to go after the year off.

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