'Figuring it out': How the NRL's bench shake-up will allow Dolphins to use snubbed star

The extension of the bench has received mixed reactions around the NRL, but it could to allow teams like the Dolphins to activate an underused threat on the field.

A series of major injuries to key stars has been a theme that the Dolphins have struggled to escape of late, with the club forced to use almost all named inside their top 30.

While those injuries did bring unwanted issues around squad selection for coach Kristian Woolf, it did also see the injection and growth of several young stars in the game.

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Max Plath and Kurt Donoghue were two of those who grew on the field in the absence of injured stars, with their achievements catching the eye of assistant coach Nathan Fien.

But one of the standout players who made the most of the opportunities that came in wake of a more senior player being injured was Trai Fuller.

Fuller stepped in at fullback in the absence of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and proved that a selection headache over who wears the No.1 jersey for the Dolphins is very much alive.

The 28-year-old was given four opportunities last season to fill the role that Tabuai-Fidow previously commanded at the club, recording two tries and four try assists in those games.

Woolf has confirmed that Tabuai-Fidow will be the starting fullback in 2026 - a statement which Fuller has revealed his coach has always been transparent about.

But with the bench extending from four to six players, although only four of those on the bench can be used, Fuller could get more opportunities than he previously has.

"We were only talking about it the other day that every time Trai has gotten an opportunity (at fullback) he has been there or thereabouts for players' player," Fien told Nine's 4BC radio.

"We've seen him pop up in the centres and on the wing and he has done a fantastic job.

"He is someone who will definitely play a big and important role for us this year. We don't quite know what that role will be at the moment because the Hammer (Tabuai-Fidow) is a class player, you have got to have him in the side.

"He is obviously the incumbent fullback for Queensland and is coming off the back of a productive year in terms of his footy. He is just getting better and better.

"But the new rules in terms of having six on the bench may allow Woolfy to use Trai in some capacity ... maybe get injected into the game. We are trying to figure it all out.

"He is definitely someone who could do a job for us, that's for sure."

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Fuller has continued to impress at training over the pre-season, alongside many of his teammates. But Fien pointed to one returning star that will be a big inclusion for the team this year.

"I've really liked watching Tommy Flegler's progression through the pre-season," he said.

"Watching him be able to do what he is doing has been remarkable."

Flegler was sidelined for 677 days due to nerve damage in his shoulder, leaving many questioning whether he would ever be able to return to first-grade football.

The 26-year-old had a dream return to the field during the Dolphins' pre-season trial loss to the Titans, crashing over the tryline in the 50th minute.

That match proved Flegler still had the drive and experience that could boost the energy of his younger teammates, a prospect which has Fien excited.

"Tommy has had a rotten run with luck with some of his injuries over the past couple of years," said Fien.

"His experience and presence on the field, for our younger guys, will be the biggest benefit.

"Hopefully we get off to a good start. Last year we were 0-4 in the first few weeks, which we have addressed. We are confident going in (to the new season)."

The Dolphins will host the South Sydney Rabbitohs in round one on Sunday, March 8.