Should there be more pressure on the Dolphins?

With the Dolphins finding themselves outside of the top eight, Matty Johns and Denan Kemp have expressed their concern surrounding the side's form.

After being predicted to make their first final series in 2026 by many experts, the Dolphins have struggled to find their form throughout the early stages of the season.

After back-to-back wins against the Titans and the Sharks in Round 2 and 3, the NRL’s youngest franchise has then proceeded to lose to their crosstown rivals, the Broncos and to the Sea Eagles in Kieran Foran’s first match as coach.

Speaking ahead of their clash against the Panthers, the 1997 Premiership player believes that if there wasn’t already pressure on Kristian Woolf’s men, it will come should they lose.

“We don't talk about pressure with the Dolphins, but I tell you what, it's got to be just around the corner,” Johns declared on SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“This is a side that should be at least top four.

“So far this year they've lost to Souths, a narrow win over the Titans, a great win over the Sharks, but then a loss to the Broncos and just a terrible loss at home to Manly."

He also expressed some issues surrounding the club's star halfback Isaiya Katoa.

Despite the 22-year-old being contracted until 2028, Johns noted that he is reportedly looking for a new agency.

“On top of that, which is really interesting, keep an eye on this one, Isaiya Katoa (is) after a new management team.

“So, I don't know what exactly that means. But if you're a Dolphins fan, that might make you a little bit nervous.”

Kemp also admitted his frustrations with the Dolphins' form.

But also showed some concern surrounding the news relating to Katoa.

“I think they've been super disappointing,” Kemp added.

“And that scares the living daylights out of me if I'm a Dolphins fan hearing that Katoa wants a new management team.

“Because outside of getting third-party deals, like, why would you need a new management team if everything is rosy (and) contracts are all good?

“Outside of maybe you're feeling like the direction of your career isn't exactly what you want, or at very least you're not in the rooms you thought you should be in.”

The Dolphins take on the ladder-leading Penrith Panthers on Friday night at TIO Stadium in Darwin. Kick-off at 8pm AEST.