The 20-year-old was the first graduate from the inaugural Dolphins academy to play NRL, and his two-year extension through until 2029 will see him fill the void left by star winger Jamayne Isaako, who joins Melbourne next year.
To understand the Dolphins' rise to the preliminary final inside four years of their existence, look no further than Naufahu, who was recruited from New Zealand after playing schoolboy rugby union, and gives the club game-breaking depth.
In his final year of high school, Naufahu sat down with his family and said he wanted to give rugby league "a crack", and not longer afterwards met with the Dolphins' inaugural coach Wayne Bennett.
"I first came over and met with Wayne Bennett and they gave me a big run-down about Wayne," Naufahu grinned.
"I didn't think. I put my hand out to shake his hand and I don't think he liked it at the start, but he said I am a presentable kid with good manners and look like a good kid. The rest is history."
Bennett didn't say much more, but it left an impression.
"The next time I came back I had a watch on to look more presentable for him to prove my point," Naufahu chuckled.
"As soon as I came here I thought this was a beautiful spot to start my journey."
When, Naufahu arrived, he set a goal "to become a sponge" and soak up all of Isaako's wisdom.
"Under pressure Jamayne is real good at staying calm and he has taught us younger boys that if you commit to what you want to do and stay calm you will come out the right end," Naufahu said.
"I have to be grateful that the club see me (as Isaako's successor), and the only thing I can do is repay them with all my hard work and show them I am invested in everything we do here."
Naufahu made his NRL debut in 2025 and has scored nine tries in his 15 NRL games, with his dazzling feet, speed and toughness real highlights.
He has thrived under the tutelage of head coach Kristian Woolf.
"As soon as Woolfy took the wheel I learned how much more hard work you can do, even when you are tired," Naufahu said.
"Woolfy is all about effort, and the more you show the more respect you get from the older boys."
Naufahu was named on the extended bench for the 26-16 win over the Warriors in the qualifying final and will likely be there again for the preliminary final against Cronulla or Sydney Roosters.
"If they gave me the call-up I would be ready to go," he said.
"We have a little crew on the extended bench called 'stay ready' and all the extended boys tell each other every warm-up to stay ready, because you never know what happens."
On Wednesday the Dolphins also announced the re-signing of utility Brad Schneider until the end of 2028.
5°C