The Dolphins are bracing for the return of enforcer Tom Flegler \u2014 which could prove to cause mammoth selection headaches for coach Kristian Woolf.<\/p>\n
Flegler hasn\u2019t taken the field since Round 5 of the 2024 season, battling with a rare nerve problem that threatened to end his NRL career.<\/p>\n
However, he returned to contact training during the week, eyeing a first grade return in a huge boost for a Dolphins side decimated through injuries last season.<\/p>\n
Watch The Ashes 2025\/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Flegler is also one of the club\u2019s highest-paid players, but has been unable to stamp his mark and lead the 17th franchise\u2019s forward pack after making the move from the Broncos.<\/p>\n The gun prop will almost certainly start if declared fit for Round 1, while the likes of Tom Gilbert (shoulder), Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) and Max Plath (knee) are also due to return.<\/p>\n Francis Molo arrived during the 2025 season, while Super League import Morgan Knowles also joins the club after being recruited by Woolf.<\/p>\n Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf. Picture: NRL ImagerySource: Supplied<\/p>\n Veteran Felise Kaufusi was handed a one-year extension, while Ray Stone, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Connelly Lemuelu, Oryn Keeley and the much-improved Kurt Donoghoe will all be fighting for places.<\/p>\n So now Woolf has some huge selection calls to make after constructing one of the NRL\u2019s most impressive forward packs.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we get everyone on the field and stay healthy, we\u2019ve got a great pack,\u201d Flegler said to Code Sports.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got a long way to go, a lot of training to do. It\u2019s all good saying it, but unless we do it, it\u2019s irrelevant.\u201d<\/p>\n While Flegler was staring down the barrel of his career coming to an end, he explained that he has been \u201clucky\u201d in his recovery.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t really know how to take it there, it was hard coming to training,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n V’Landys changes position on R360 stars | 00:48<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n NOV 1 LIVE: Star speaks as Tigers standoff rages; four-man Xmas hit list revealed <\/a><\/p>\n STATE OF PLAY: Star Gold Coast could chase as huge issue emerges for new coach <\/a><\/p>\n