JULY 9th, 2023 REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v GOLD COAST TITANS
CBUS STADIUM, GOLD COAST
In the exhilarating NRL Round 19 matchup, the Redcliffe Dolphins are set to clash with the Gold Coast Titans at the iconic Cbus Stadium on July 9th, 2023. Both teams are eager to claim victory, but their paths diverge in terms of personnel and recent form.
Under the guidance of their new coach, Jim Lenihan, the Gold Coast Titans have embarked on a promising journey. They kicked off the season with a triumphant win over their arch-rivals, the Broncos. However, a narrow loss to Canberra in the previous week left them yearning for redemption. The Titans are well aware that they squandered a significant lead of 26-0 against the Dolphins earlier in the season, making this rematch a critical opportunity to atone for their past mistakes.
Unfortunately for the Titans, they will be without the services of four of their Origin stars—Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Mo Fotuaika, and the rising superstar AJ Brimson. The absence of these influential players leaves a void in the Titans’ pack, jeopardizing their performance. The combination of their work rate, yardage gains, raw power, and game-breaking abilities is simply irreplaceable.
However, the Titans can take solace in the fact that they have a talented replacement in Jayden Campbell, a dynamic player known for wreaking havoc on opposition defenses whenever he dons the number one jersey. The team will rely on Campbell’s electrifying presence to provide the X-factor needed for success in this crucial encounter on the Gold Coast.
Returning to the fray after a late withdrawal in the previous game, winger Phil Sami aims to make a significant impact alongside his teammates. The Titans’ starting pack undergoes some changes, with Klese Haas, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, and Jaimin Jolliffe stepping up to fill the void left by the Origin stars. Additionally, the highly anticipated NRL debut of PNG forward Jacob Alick adds an element of excitement to the Titans’ bench.
Meanwhile, the Redcliffe Dolphins are determined to capitalize on their opponents’ depleted lineup. Despite an impressive start to the season, inconsistency has plagued the Dolphins, winning just two games since their awe-inspiring comeback in round eight against the Titans. To secure victory in round 19, they must address their own shortcomings, particularly in reducing errors and missed tackles.
The Dolphins have undergone a crucial change in their lineup as well, with star player Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow absent due to Origin duties. Euan Aitken will shift to the centers, while Kodi Nikorima assumes the fullback role. Injured player Felise Kaufusi remains sidelined, but the team will welcome back Anthony Milford and Jarrod Wallace following their suspension.
While the Dolphins have been less affected by Origin commitments, they share the same burning desire for victory as the Titans. The outcome of this clash will depend on the performance of the respective spines. The Dolphins will heavily rely on hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, who, despite a shoulder injury, is determined to contribute and is willing to play through pain.
As the two teams take to the field, their destinies intertwine. Both desperate for a win, they seek to build momentum and make a push for a spot in the coveted top eight, aiming to participate in the September finals. The stage is set for an intense showdown where consistency and resilience will determine the victor.
Intrigue fills the air as NRL fans eagerly await this clash of Titans. Will the Dolphins exploit the Titans’ weakened lineup and cement their resurgence? Or can the Titans rally together, overcome adversity, and emerge victorious against all odds? Be prepared for a thrilling encounter that promises exhilarating plays, relentless determination, and the prospect of a team’s resurgence. Don’t miss out on this exciting NRL Round 19 showdown between the Redcliffe Dolphins and the Gold Coast Titans.
Dolphins: 1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Valynce Te Whare 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Anthony Milford 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Max Plath 19. Harrison Graham 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Brenko Lee 22. Kurt Donoghoe
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 11. Klese Haas 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Chris Randall 15. Erin Clark 16. Jojo Fifita 17. Jacob Alick 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Keano Kini 20. Kruise Leeming 21. Ken Maumalo 22. Tony Francis
Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Wyatt Raymond, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Adam Gee;
PREDICTION
On 18 points the Dolphins, and only one further bye in play, wins are going to have to come at a premium if they want to collect a maiden finals birth this season. They need to forget about the last few weeks and focus back to the good football they were playing at the start of 2023. That saw the Dolphins open up to a hot start and were very much in the finals picture.
If they can get back to that explosive style of footy without some of their more senior players, it’ll make their return a lot smoother and a clearer path to finals footy and it starts with a Sunday victory.
Who to watch? It’s now or never for Tanah Boyd. With rumours rumbling of Ben Hunt arriving in Surfers Paradise next year and with the club already clearing Toby Sexton to the Bulldogs, from their books, it’s clear that Boyd needs to step up if he’s to feature in Des Hasler’s 2024 plans. Boyd is a solid playmaker and has had a good season, but needs to be more effective in his kicking game and pin the Dolphins back to make it easier for their new look forward pack to shine.
In the Dolphins camp, the focus similarly goes onto Isaiya Katoa. After a good start to his rookie season, it appears he’s hit a wall in his first season in the big time. After being toyed around at hooker and the halves a fortnight ago, Katoa seemed to struggle to make an impact with his veteran halves partner SOS returning. Look for Katoa to prove us wrong and revitalise the Dolphins season.
Even without their Origin stars I think the Titans will start as favourite at home in front of their fans. The Dolphins need a quick start. They concede points early and then play catch up footie. This must stop now to win this must win game, for both sides. Titans might just sneak home here, and get the 2 points, but I am a huge Wayne Bennett and Dolphins fan, so I will go with the Dolphins, for betting purposes, with a 5.5 point start.
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