The Dolphins sit anchored to the bottom of the Waratah State League division one ladder, but coach Mark Champion can see light at the end of the tunnel.

“There is not a player in our team that is anywhere near reaching their potential,” Champion said.

In previous years, that speck of light in the distance has turned out to be a train heading in the opposite direction.

It would have tested the most loyal of coaches, but Champion has placed plenty of faith on his youthful side and can see brighter days ahead.

Teenager Josh Minihan is one of a number of players who continue to develop after being thrown in the deep end before his time.

Instead of sinking to the bottom, Minihan has gritted his teeth and taken more of a leadership role.

“Josh is certainly one of our better players,” Champion said.

“He got into a bit of foul trouble last Sunday because he takes a lot of the load on himself and a couple of fouls last week were out of frustration.

“That’s all a learning curve for him and I know he’ll work on that.”

The Dolphins host Hawkesbury on Sunday in a match where Champion believes his side can put up a fight.

“It comes down to us; if we can be in the game for all four quarters and be competitive, who knows what can happen,” he said.

“We feel they’re a team we can do much better against the second time around.”

The Jets were too good for the Dolphins three weeks ago, but Champion expects Port Macquarie to have a better account of themselves.

“They threw a bit of a press at us last time and changed their defence around a bit and we didn’t cope with it,” he said.

“This time we know what to expect so it should be a good quality game.”

Tip-off is at midday on Sunday at the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium.