The Dolphins have started accepting their first members ahead of the clubs debut next year.

The Dolphins foundation membership drive was launched today, crashing the website after an influx of traffic.

The NRL’s 17th club is accepting its first lot of members and will enter the competition next year.

Wide World of Sports host Peter Psaltis says it was an excellent campaign.

“One player we’ll keep an eye on, Kalyn Ponga,” he said.

“Will Kalyn Ponga end up at the Dolphins? Who knows? Watch this space.”

Meanwhile, Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has told fans to be patient for the rest of the squad.

“Very small market, with 17 teams competing for it, it’s very competitive, that’s why we’ve got to remain patient and calm and just make sure we don’t spend our money on guys who can’t get the job done for us, and there’s plenty of them out there as well.”

CEO Terry Reader says they were “blown away” by the interest already.

Press PLAY below to hear more of Psalty’s take on who the Dolphins might be after next