FRIDAY, JUNE 21st, 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE
- Dolphins Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Table-Topping Storm
- Under Wayne Bennett’s Guidance, Dolphins Look to Maintain Surprising NRL Form
- Challenges for Dolphins with Maroons Duty, Potential Returns Could Bolster Squad
- Tevita Pangai Jnr Makes NRL Return as Dolphins Adjust Line-up
- Storm to Tackle Dolphins with Key Absences
- Ryan Papenhuyzen Returns as Dolphins Prepare for Tactical Shifts
- Trent Loiero Named Starting Lock with Maroons Camp Release
- Storm vs Dolphins: A Rematch and Evolution
- Key Match Facts
- Prediction.
Dolphins Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Table-Topping Storm
The Dolphins are riding high after a remarkable upset win over the Sharks and are eager to make a strong statement against top-of-the-table Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium in a thrilling top-four clash.
Under Wayne Bennett’s Guidance, Dolphins Look to Maintain Surprising NRL Form
Under Wayne Bennett’s guidance, the Dolphins remain the NRL’s surprise package, needing just one more win to match their total victories from their entire debut season.
Challenges for Dolphins with Maroons Duty, Potential Returns Could Bolster Squad
However, they face challenges with Felise Kaufusi and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on Maroons duty, which will test their depth. On the upside, Tesi Niu (ankle) and Jesse Bromwich (ribs) could potentially return, bolstering their line-up.
Tevita Pangai Jnr Makes NRL Return as Dolphins Adjust Line-up
Tevita Pangai Jnr also makes his NRL return through the bench after his mid-season signing with the South East QLD side.
Dolphins.
1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth , 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich , 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken , 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Tevita Pangai Junior , 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Mason Teague 21. Tesi Niu 22. Anthony Milford
Storm to Tackle Dolphins with Key Absences
The Storm will be missing Queensland representatives Harry Grant and Xavier Coates, but they are expected to have Origin debutant Trent Loiero released from Maroons camp to bolster their squad for the upcoming game.
Gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is nearing a return from the ankle injury that has side lined him since Round 9 although the form of Sua Faalogo ensures there is no need to rush.
Ryan Papenhuyzen Returns as Dolphins Prepare for Tactical Shifts
After missing five matches, Ryan Papenhuyzen returns to the side, prompting changes in the backline. Sua Faalogo moves to the wing in place of Xavier Coates, who is on Origin duty. Will Warbrick also returns to the wing, resulting in Grant Anderson moving to the centre position and Dean Ieremia being omitted from the squad. Bronson Garlick moves to starting hooker with skipper Harry Grant in Origin camp.
Trent Loiero Named Starting Lock with Maroons Camp Release
Trent Loiero is named as starting lock, set to be released from Origin camp for the match.
Storm vs Dolphins: A Rematch and Evolution
These two teams clashed once last year, with the Storm prevailing 24-16 in Round 12. However, it’s clear the Dolphins have evolved significantly since then, needing just two more wins this season to surpass their total number of victories from their inaugural season in 2023.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney , 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica , 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero , 14. Jack Howarth 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan , 18. Reimis Smith 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Lazarus Vaalepu 21. Chris Lewis 22. Kane Bradley
Referees. Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges. Belinda Sharpe, Phil Henderson, Bunker, Grant Atkins
Key Match Facts
The two sides met just once in 2023, with Eli Katoa and Jahrome Hughes guiding the Storm to a 24-16 win at Suncorp Stadium.
The Dolphins have scored at least 20 points in their last six games.
The Storm have won nine of the 10 games that Jahrome Hughes has played in 2024.
Dolphins winger Jack Bostock has scored 10 tries in his past 11 games.
Storm centre Nick Meaney has scored 62 points in his last four games.
Wayne Bennett’s teams have lost their last 11 games against the Storm.
Prediction.
Both teams are displaying strong form and showcasing their potential, yet they also have vulnerabilities that haven’t been entirely overcome. I think it will be a tough competition between the two sides, especially with both missing key players away on Maroons duty, but I think Melbourne will come out on top by the end, with the Dolphins not able to withstand the pressure for the entire 80-minutes.
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