{"id":410142,"date":"2026-01-13T13:35:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T13:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/410142\/"},"modified":"2026-01-13T13:35:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T13:35:18","slug":"dolphins-lock-position-set-to-be-filled-by-new-recruit-nrl-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/410142\/","title":{"rendered":"Dolphins lock position set to be filled by new recruit – NRL News"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Morgan Knowles’ path to an NRL<\/a> starting role has opened up at the Dolphins<\/a> as the English international prepares to begin his Australian chapter under his former coach.<\/p>\n

The 28-year-old has reunited with former St Helens<\/a> mentor Kristian Woolf<\/a> at Redcliffe, with early-season circumstances placing Knowles firmly in the frame to start at lock.<\/p>\n

Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King<\/a> is expected to miss up to four months with a knee injury, pushing Kurt Donoghoe<\/a> into the No.9 role after spending much of 2025 at lock.<\/p>\n

\"WiganWIGAN, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Morgan Knowles of St Helens during the Betfred Super League match between Wigan Warriors and St Helens at DW Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Fellow middle Max Plath<\/a> is also sidelined until at least Round 3 following an ACL rupture, while captain Tom Gilbert<\/a> is tipped to begin the season in the back row as he returns from a shoulder injury.<\/p>\n

That combination has left a vacancy in the Dolphins’ middle rotation, one Knowles appears primed to fill.<\/p>\n

Knowles arrives with a decorated Super League<\/a> resume, having won three straight grand finals and a Challenge Cup with St Helens<\/a>, while also being named in the Super League<\/a> Dream Team after playing lock during the recent Ashes series.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s my position, loose forward,\u201d Knowles told AAP.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdeally that’s where I want to play, but the competition is fierce and there are loads of great players.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst and foremost, I want to earn the respect of my teammates.<\/p>\n

\u201cSelection will come off the back of it.\u201d<\/p>\n


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