Trai Fuller is enjoying an extended run in the side at the Dolphins, with the 27-year-old covering the absence of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
The star fullback pulled a hamstring during April's ‘Battle of Brisbane’, and has been sidelined for nearly a month.
This, however, has opened the door for Fuller, who had previously played just one NRL game.
Who is Trai Fuller? Dolphins fullback replaces Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Fuller has been part of the set-up in Redcliffe since 2018, when he arrived after previously being part of the Broncos’ under 20s side.
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The livewire has made close to 100 appearances in the Queensland Cup for the club, notching 52 tries and providing 32 assists.
Fuller became a part of the Dolphins’ squad in 2023 after being rewarded for his consistent and impressive performances in reserve grade.
"He is an example of the kind of player we are trying to open up pathways for – a young man from the North Burnett region who has moved to Brisbane and been given a chance to play at Hostplus Cup level for the Dolphins," the club’s chief executive, Terry Reader, said.
"Now he will get the chance to learn from a great coach in Wayne Bennett and train alongside some of the best professionals in the game."
Fuller was handed his long-awaited opportunity on the big stage in Round 25 last season in similarly challenging circumstances for Bennett’s outfit as they were decimated by injury.
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Fuller was initially listed as 18th man against the Tigers before he was elevated into the 17 in what turned out to be a heartbreaking 24-23 defeat.
The flyer made a big impact off the interchange bench though, crossing for a try on his NRL debut while making two linebreaks and running for 133 metres.
"He's been working pretty hard for a number of years," Redcliffe’s coach Ben Te’o said last year ahead of Fuller’s debut.
"I think everyone around here at Redcliffe just love everything about him the way he plays. He probably has missed a few opportunities when everyone thought he should have got a go and I think everyone's pretty pumped to see him play.
"He's got a huge heart, he's tough, he's fiery and he is very strong. You see him shrugging players off and big men trying to contain him.
"He just plays so well, and I just love the way he actually attacks every game."
The Eidsvold Eagles junior, who was born in Monto, has now played three games in the No.1 jersey for the Dolphins in 2024.
While his stats may not be remarkable – one try and one try assist – he has been a spark of energy at the back.
His speed and athleticism have also seen him rack up an average 197 run metres per match.
Trai Fuller NRL stats 2024
| Appearances | 3 |
| Tries | 1 |
| Try Assists | 1 |
| Linebreaks | 4 |
| Tackle Busts | 21 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 197m |
| Tackle Efficiency | 82.9 % |
