Dolphins dive underground as they strengthen regional ties in Central Queensland
28 May, 2026
Dolphins NRL players have swapped the footy field for the longwall, heading underground for the first time during a visit to Moranbah North Mine.
The six NRL players first connected above ground with some of the site’s mines rescue team members who returned home earlier this month from Zambia with three gold medals from the 2026 International Mines Rescue Competition.
Daniel Saifiti, Francis Molo, Jeremy Marshall-King, Morgan Knowles, Brad Schneider and John Fineanganofo then spent two hours underground with coal mine workers, talking to them about how the longwall operates and what a shift looks like for a steelmaking coal miner.
Moranbah North Mine general manager Paul Stephan said hosting the team on site for their first underground experience had created a powerful connection between the high-performing teams.
“We were proud to host the Dolphins at Moranbah North Mine together with the heart of our community – our people,” he said.
“Whether you’re underground or on the field, success comes from trust, discipline and teamwork.
“The same qualities that make a great footy team – grit, mateship and pride in your work – are the ones we value here at Moranbah North Mine.”
Mr Stephan said taking players underground offered a unique perspective on the discipline and precision required in mining.
“Going underground for the first time gave the Dolphins players a firsthand look at what our crews do every day,” he said.
“It reinforced just how much reliance there is on your teammates and the systems around you to get the job done safely.
“Hearing the players reflect on that experience helped spark meaningful conversations about teamwork and looking out for one another. Maybe they will find themselves in mining post footy career.”
The visit included a community barbecue at the Moranbah Miners Rugby League Club that attracted hundreds of families who kept the players busy signing Dolphins merchandise. They then watched their five teammates in the State of Origin match on Wednesday night at the Moranbah Workers Club.
On Thursday, they brought together students from Capella and Moranbah for a friendly tag carnival to celebrate the region’s strong sporting culture.
Recently-retired NRL player Daniel Saifiti said stepping into the heart of a regional community like Moranbah was both humbling and inspiring.
“Growing up in regional towns, sport is often what brings everyone together – it’s the heart of the community,” he said.
“Regional Queensland has always punched above its weight in producing talented footy players, and you can see the same work ethic and pride here in Moranbah.
“Footy and mining might seem like different worlds but we share a lot – backing each other, staying strong and showing up every day ready to give our best.
“We hope sharing our experiences helps spark conversations about resilience, health and backing yourselves – whether that’s in sport, at work or in life.”
Mr Stephan said the Dolphins visit reinforced the important role both industry and sport played in regional communities.
“In communities like Moranbah, sport is more than just a game – it connects people across generations, industries and backgrounds – just like the mining industry,” he said.
“This is the third year we’ve brought the Dolphins to the communities where we operate, bringing our partnership to life in a meaningful way.
“Seeing professional athletes take the time to connect with our people and our young community members sends a strong message – that they matter and there are pathways to success no matter where you’re from.”
These Central Queensland visits are an annual highlight of Anglo American’s partnership with the Dolphins - and both our workforce and the community enjoy the opportunity to meet some of our NRL superstars.
It is also a unique opportunity for the players to get a behind-the-scenes look at an industry that is the backbone of Queensland.
In Australia, Anglo American has five steelmaking coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, along with additional joint venture interests in manganese, and base metals exploration projects in Queensland.
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You can find photos and vision HERE