NRL’s breakout stars to watch in 2026 as Jeremy Marshall-King injury gives John Fineanganogo a chance

He has proven a try-scoring threat from close range for the Central Queensland Capras in 2025, scoring nine tries in 15 games and emerging as an option for coach Kristian Woolf to use on the bench until his mentor Marshall-King returns.

“I have been here for almost three years and I am learning new things from her, everything about prostitution and I can say that she is a good mentor,” Fineanganofo said.

“There’s a lot of different things you have to learn coming from the union, so I’m learning everything from Jeremy Marshall-King.”

The Dolphins are racing up the board when it comes to promoting talent from the reserve class and turning them into NRL sensations; Plath and full-back Trai Fuller are leading examples, while forward Aublix Tawha impressed before joining the Brisbane Broncos last season.

While Fineanganofo has proven to be an attacking threat down the order, he admitted to participating in a grueling transformation to ensure he is ready to answer Woolf’s call.

“Obviously this is a huge opportunity for me, but right now I’m just focusing on getting fitter. That’s something I’ve been lacking in the last few years,” Fineanganofo said.

“This is another door that can be opened. It’s up to me whether I grab it with both hands and run away.”