Coach Woolf calls Stone one of NRL's toughest players — ABC News Australia

In Australia, 29-year-old Dolphins player Ray Stone will end his NRL career after the 2026 season. The match against the Sydney Roosters in the preliminary final could be his last if the Dolphins do not reach the season's deciding match.

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf called Stone one of the league's toughest players. As ABC News Australia reports, last season the forward played the final six rounds with a broken arm and took the field in the final 15 rounds after receiving injections in both shoulders. After the season ended, he underwent shoulder surgery.

Commitment to the team

Woolf said that what he values most is not only Stone's physical toughness, but also his commitment to the team. According to the coach, the player does not want to let his teammates down: he puts in effort when chasing an opponent after a kick, making tackles and carrying the ball into contact.

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The coach would like to have Stone in the team for the 2027 season as well, but he decided to end his NRL career. The player himself explained the decision by saying that he wants to spend more time with his family, as his children are growing up and he is often busy on weekends.

NRL career

Stone began his NRL career at Parramatta, where he played 31 matches over five seasons. He became the second player signed by the Dolphins and has played 81 matches in four years at the club. Stone mostly comes off the bench and has scored eight tries for the Dolphins.

According to the player, he has felt healthier this season, while a more even distribution of playing time among the forwards has helped him maintain his form. Before the preliminary final against the Roosters, the Dolphins had won 16 of their previous 18 matches. The game will take place on Friday at Lang Park and will start at 19:50 Eastern Australian Time.