SUNDAY, 28th APRIL,2024 SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE
The Dolphins look to continue their bright start to the season when they welcome a slumping Knights team to Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Following a disappointing end to last season, the Dolphins have kicked off this year with a bang, securing victories in four of their last five games, propelling them to third place on the ladder.
Dolphins have won four of their last five games
Despite various injuries, the Dolphins produced their best performance of the season last week, coming back from a half-time deficit to absolutely pummel the Eels 44-16 in Darwin.
Dolphins have scored 30+ points three times this season
The Dolphins have now scored 30+ points in three games this season and they will be relishing the chance to put another big score on a Knights side who leaked 36 points to the Bulldogs last week.
Dolphins.
1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 17. Oryn Keeley 18. Mason Teague 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Valynce Te Whare 22. Connelly Lemuelu
Knights have lost their last four away games
That wasn’t the worst of it for Newcastle, with star fullback Kalyn Ponga suffering an injury that will keep him sidelined for around three months.
The Knights have suffered defeat in seven of their last ten games without Ponga, and they’ve also endured four consecutive losses on the road leading up to this match.
Knights.
1. David Armstrong 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jed Cartwright 17. Brodie Jones 18. Mathew Croker 19. Thomas Cant 20. Jack Cogger 21. Will Pryce 22. Krystian Mapapalangi
Knights have lost their last four away games
Knights have lost seven of their last 10 games without Kalyn Ponga
Dolphins have won four of their last five games
Dolphins have scored 30+ points three times this season
Jamayne Isaako scored five tries in two games vs Knights last season
Jack Bostock has scored six tries in his last four games
Greg Marzhew has scored a try in 11 of his last 15 games
Referee. Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges, David Munro, Kieren Irons, Bunker. Chris Butler
Prediction.
Ponga’s injury has completely derailed the Knights’ season and it’s very tough to see them making the finals even at this early stage in the season.
The Knights are enduring a challenging season, especially this week. Placed in the bottom four, they not only face the absence of their star player Kalyn Ponga for an extended period but also scrutiny regarding the medical care he received. Moreover, there have been discussions about training conflicts involving halfback Jackson Hastings, marking a recurring issue.
Jack Bostock is establishing himself as a top-tier tryscorer, having netted seven tries in six games as the Dolphins favor a left-leaning approach in their offensive strategy.
Bradman Best has found the try line 16 times in his last 32 matches.
Phin’s up all the way.
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