The 27-year-old Samoan international is one of the form back-rowers in the NRL and wants to finish his career at the club where he found his mojo after a move from North Queensland.
Lemuelu was a member of an inaugural roster - which included 2025 first-choice spine Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiya Katoa and Jeremy Marshall-King - that was tipped to not win a game in 2023.
The Dolphins had less than 12 months to get that list together and are now bearing the fruit of their shrewd choices. They are in eighth position ahead of Friday night's away trip against the Warriors, and contenders to play finals for the first time.
At the dawn of the Dolphins, veterans Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich were the starting back-rowers against the Sydney Roosters.
Lemuelu, 27, is now a "bright morning star" of the new-look back row that includes Oryn Keeley and the recently injured Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
They are a key trio to take the Dolphins forward in the future and to help inspire a successful run to the finals.
"Felise and Kenny have been there, done that in our game and played for their country," Lemuelu said.
"They are one of the reasons why I came to this club, to learn off them, and they have passed on the baton to us younger boys now.
"It is definitely an exciting time for the club. I am a foundation player and I hope to be here for the rest of my career."
Lemuelu, signed until the end of 2026, came off the bench in the inaugural 28-18 win over the Roosters in 2023. He scored a try in a performance where he showcased the footwork, line-running and evasiveness that have become hallmarks of his play.
He is very much a multi-dimensional modern second-rower, with slick attacking wares and defensive clout.
This year, off the bench or as a starter, he has been dynamic. The statistics tell a compelling tale, with Lemuelu scoring seven tries and making 11 line-breaks in 15 games.
His last start in a 43-24 win over North Queensland was one of his best, with two tries and an incredible 272m highlighting a stellar display.
"It's been a bit of a different role for me this year. I've spent most of the year coming off the bench," Lemuelu said.
"I have always seen myself as a starter and I got the opportunity last game. It is about performing for the team. If that means me coming off the bench and bringing that impact, I am going to do that."It definitely helped playing in the backs when I was younger, so I've definitely got those skills. It is just about transferring that into the forwards and adding that defensive effort and work ethic."
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