Dolphins young gun looks to impress

Redcliffe Dolphins have been hard at work bolstering their 2019 squad, in preparation to defend their Intrust Super Cup title.

Cup coach Adam Mogg said despite losing a bunch of stars, including Toby Rudolf to Cronulla Sharks, Tom Opacic to North Queensland Cowboys and Jonus Pearson to the Dragons, there was plenty of depth in this year's squad and he was happy.

Mogg said winning again was "definitely the goal" and he looked forward to seeing some young players step up to help get the job done.

"There's lots of competition for spots," Mogg said, particularly for hooker.

Mogg said Dolphins junior Harrison Smith, a "running hooker", was one of the young guns he expected to "put pressure on" to play Cup, having bulked up during pre season.

There's stiff competition for the position with Hugh Pratt, Sheldon Pitama and Brisbane Broncos affiliate player Jake Turpin all in the squad.

"(Harrison) is doing a great ... he's a really good kid, who is working really hard," Mogg said.

The 19-year-old is back at the club after two years playing for Cronulla Sharks' Under 20s side.

Smith is determined to impress Mogg and become a regular fixture in the Cup side.

Smith first played at the Dolphins in Under 7s and went through the club's development program, playing Cyril Connell Cup and Mal Meninga Cup; he attended Wavell State High School – the same as many star rugby league players including Greg Inglis, before being picked up by the Sharks at 17.

"It was a big transition to move away from family so young," Smith said, adding he left school one week early to move south of the border to chase his dream of playing in the NRL.

"I thought it was the right step to take, to get my name out there."

Last year Smith played the entire NSW Rugby League Jersey Flegg Cup season and scored a try during the Sharks' 22-12 grand final win over Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval.

The previous year he played in the SG Ball Cup grand final when his team went down 30-22 to Parramatta Eels.

"I learnt so much... it was a massive learning curve," Smith said.

"I used to play halfback, but I wanted to be more involved so moved to hooker."

Smith said the biggest thing he learnt during his time at the Sharks was to be confident and back himself.

The next step, Smith said, was to play Intrust Super Premiership in New South Wales or Intrust Super Cup in Queensland; he was approached by Newtown Jets and the Dolphins for the 2019 season and decided it was time to head home.

"I missed my mates and my family," Smith said.

Smith said he has enjoyed pre-season and was looking forward to footy season starting.

"Everyone is training well and really fit," Smith said.

"This year I want to make my (Cup) debut – that's my biggest goal.

"And to play in the team full time."

Smith said he also wanted to don maroon for Queensland.

"To represent Queensland would be unreal," Smith said.

"But the NRL is what I'm looking for. I'm taking it year by year."

Dolphins football general manager Grant Cleal said on the club's website he was pleased to see Smith back, having known his work ethic as a junior.

"Harry was always very fit," Cleal said.

"He is a really tough young player who came through as a half back.

"We were sorry to see him leave to join the Sharks but it has improved his all round game I am sure.

"He played mainly hooker down south which has added versatility to his game."

COMING SOON: Be sure to keep an eye out for QRL's Intrust Super Cup Gains and Losses summaries.