NRL market watch: Dolphins re-sign Max Plath, Dragons set to sign Corey Allan

The son of Broncos utility legend John Plath, Max has been rewarded with a contract extension thanks to a bumper pre-season.

Corey Allan Roosters v Manly RD18. Picture: NRL Photos

Max Plath has been rewarded for a bumper pre-season with the Dolphins’ fittest player securing a contract extension.

The son of Broncos utility legend John Plath, Max has been recognised by Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett for a flying start to the summer, inking a new deal to remain at Redcliffe until the end of 2026.

Plath senior was renowned as Brisbane’s Mr Fixit during the Broncos’ golden era of the 1990s and his son has impressed the Dolphins with his outstanding work ethic.

The 22-year-old former Bronco returned to the 2024 pre-season in supreme shape, producing the best 1.2km time trial to stop the clock at 4 min 11 sec, beating Queensland Origin forward Tom Gilbert by one second.

It was that type of attitude that convinced Bennett to rubber-stamp an upgrade for Plath, who shapes as the super sub that made his father a crucial bench weapon for the Broncos during his 149-game career between 1990-99.

Plath has been upgraded for seasons 2024 and 2025 and received a fresh 12-month extension for 2026.

Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said Plath, who played two games this year after making his NRL debut in round 14 against the Warriors, deserved his new deal.

“Max showed us last year that he is an NRL player with a big future,” Reader said.

“He played two NRL matches last year – both against top-four team the Warriors – and played really well in both of them.

Max Plath has been rewarded with a contract extension. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“Seeing him score his first NRL try and help us finish off the season with a big win over a top-four team was a moment to remember for all of our members and fans.

“Max has built on those showings by turning up for pre-season in tremendous shape and demonstrating how much this means to him.

“This contract ensures he will be a Dolphin for many years to come.”

A hard-working lock or hooker, Plath’s pre-season has turned up the heat on Dolphins teammates in the battle for the No.14 utility slot next season.

Underlining his commitment, he won the Redcliffe Dolphins’ player-of-the-year award for their 2023 Hostplus Cup campaign despite joining the club from the Broncos one month after the season had begun.

Plath adds depth to the Dolphins’ forward stocks and will relish more game time in 2024.

“It is great to get my future sorted with the Dolphins and lock in for the long term,” he said.

“I really enjoyed the opportunities I received last season and am excited now to be able to get stuck into training and work on building on that in 2024.”

DRAGONS SET TO SIGN FORMER MAROONS BACK

- Michael Carayannis

St George Illawarra are set to sign former Queensland outside back Corey Allan. It is understood the Dragons are close to securing Allan on a one-year contract to get him to the club in an immediate boost to their outside backs depth.

Allan was facing an uncertain future after being squeezed out of the Sydney Roosters because of the club’s precarious salary cap situation.

He impressed during his one season at the Roosters and had a strong end to the year after making the transition into the centres having played the majority of his career at either fullback or on the wing.

Corey Allan is set to sign with the Dragons. Picture: NRL Photos

Just three years ago Allan played Origin for Queensland. The 25-year-old has played 63 top grade games since making his debut for South Sydney in 2019. He spent two years at the Rabbitohs before another two seasons at Canterbury.

The Dragons have now added Allan’s former Canterbury teammate Kyle Flanagan, ex-South Sydney prop Hame Sele and Melbourne’s Tom Eisenhuth since Shane Flanagan took over as head coach.

The Dragons remain in the mix to land a marquee signing for 2025 as they continue talks with Addin Fonua-Blake, Tom Dearden and Heilum Luki.

Originally published as NRL market watch: Dolphins re-sign Max Plath, Dragons set to sign Corey Allan