Connelly Lemuelu is a powerful edge forward for the Dolphins, known for his size, ball‑running impact and versatility across the back row and centres. Standing 190 cm and weighing 106 kg, he has become a key fixture in the Dolphins’ forward rotation since joining the club for their inaugural NRL season in 2023.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Lemuelu grew up playing rugby union for Papatoetoe before moving to Australia at age 15 to attend Keebra Park State High School, one of the nation’s premier rugby league talent pathways. While at Keebra Park, he starred in national school competitions, including kicking the match‑winning field goal in the 2016 Queensland state championship and scoring two tries in the GIO Schoolboy Cup final.

After progressing through the Wests Tigers and Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs systems at junior and NSW Cup level, Lemuelu signed with the North Queensland Cowboys, making his NRL debut in Round 6 of the 2020 season against the Wests Tigers. He scored his first NRL try later that season in a narrow loss to South Sydney.

Across 2020–2022, Lemuelu played 24 games for the Cowboys before joining the Dolphins ahead of their debut NRL season. He made an immediate impact, scoring a try in the club’s historic first‑ever NRL match in Round 1, 2023, a 28–18 victory over the Sydney Roosters.

Since arriving at the Dolphins, Lemuelu has developed into one of their most consistent performers, tallying 61 appearances and 17 tries from 2023 to 2025. His strong running, defensive work rate, and line‑breaking ability have made him a reliable edge forward option for the club. Internationally, Lemuelu made his Test debut for Samoa in 2023, marking another milestone in his rising career.

Entering the prime of his career and signed long‑term with the Dolphins, Lemuelu continues to provide size, impact and professionalism as a core member of the forward pack.