Ever since the middle of their inaugural season in 2023 the Dolphins have lost big gun after big gun to injury.
After four wins in a row and a surge to seventh position the stars have aligned for the Dolphins to make a serious run at the title.
The only forward not available on their list for Saturday's clash is the recently medically retired Daniel Saifiti while centre Jake Averillo (hand fracture) is the sole back out of action.
After round 13 the Dolphins were sixth in 2023, fourth in 2024 and 10th in 2025 but did not make the top eight in any of those years.
Co-captain Tom Gilbert said the side was "definitely" in far better shape to have a better run to a debut finals series this time.
"It is not an excuse in the years gone before but at this time of year we have missed a lot of cattle," Gilbert said.
"We have had a lot of injuries in key positions and different players in and out of the team. Come this week we have a full-strength side and it is the first time in a couple of years.
"Unfortunately there are one or two blokes that would be playing any other week."
The Dolphins have looked a far better side since the return of Kiwi hooker Jeremy Marshall-King in round 10 from a knee injury.
The 30-year-old's passing game is up there with the best and his guile and all-round craft at dummy-half has added an extra dimension to the attack.
So strong is the side to play the Cowboys that veteran Maroons forward Felise Kaufusi is No.18 and no guarantee to get on the field
It is a whole new ball game for the Dolphins who have dealt with long-term injuries to the likes of Queensland forwards Tom Flegler, Gilbert and Max Plath over the past three seasons, all of whom will play the Cowboys.
Coach Kristian Woolf will field an incredible backline.
Returned Queensland backs Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo join England international Herbie Farnworth, back from a hamstring injury, along with Tonga half Isaiya Katoa and New Zealand winger Jamayne Isaako.
Jack Bostock, a winger in his early days in the NRL and another player who had almost a year out with injury, has been a sensation at centre and is set to stay there. Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, who has played 18 Tests for the Kiwis, gets better with age and the 32-year-old returns from a two-game suspension.
Woolf's biggest headache with his pack will be which of the forwards on the six-man bench to throw into the fray.
Not many teams have the added depth of a starting Maroons lock, in Plath, and a regular England No.13 in Morgan Knowles on their roster to call upon.
11°C