The Dolphins have signed another player of the future with the acquisition of Penrith’s premiership-winning under-19s captain Mason Teague.
Teague will become part of the Dolphins’ top 30 squad in November as the club begins pre-season training for their entry to the NRL.
The 18-year-old lock led the Panthers to a stunning win in the NSW Rugby League’s SG Ball under-19s competition back in May.
Down 20-0 against the Roosters at halftime in the decider, things looked all but lost for Teague’s young Panthers outfit.
But along with another Dolphins’ signing, halfback Isaiya Katoa, Teague inspired Penrith’s young guns to a remarkable 22-20 victory.
Teague ran a line off Katoa to score a try under the posts to spark the revival that ended with him lifting the premiership trophy.
It is a combination the Dolphins predict their members and fans will see many times in the NRL in future years.
It was also the kind of display that has convinced the club to set aside a spot in the NRL squad for Teague, said Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader.
“Mason is fast, skillful, is very tough defensively and already has the fitness to play full games,” said Reader.
“He really is the full package, and that is why he will be a member of our inaugural top 30 squad.
“In the grand final, he showed his maturity by leading his team back into a game they had no right to win.
“He is yet another example of the strategies we have always had – that of building a roster for the long term - not just our entry to the competition next year - and of giving some of the best young talent in the country a shot at the NRL.”
Teague has currently graduated to the Panthers’ Jersey Flegg under-21 team and will finish the season at Penrith before moving north to Queensland.
