2:00 pm SUNDAY AUGUST 11th 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE
Crucial Clash: Dolphins vs. Warriors at Suncorp Stadium
Two teams just outside the top eight are battling for crucial competition points on Sunday afternoon, with the stakes higher than ever.
Dolphins Aim to End Losing Streak and Reclaim Top Eight Spot
The Dolphins slipped out of the top eight for the first time since Round 1 after a 34-40 loss to the Roosters last weekend, and they’re eager to break a troubling streak of five losses in their last six games.
Wayne Bennett’s Tactical Focus on Defense for Sunday’s Match
Coach Wayne Bennett has navigated this situation before and will have his team well-prepared for Sunday’s clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium. While their attack has been strong, the focus this week will likely have been on tightening up their defense.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath, 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich, 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O’Sullivan 18. Lachlan Hubner, 19. Tesi Niu 20. Anthony Milford 21. Mason Teague 22. Trai Fuller
Warriors’ Playoff Hopes Rest on Win Against Dolphins
The Warriors are currently 13th on the ladder, five points behind eighth-placed St George Illawarra, and need a win against the Dolphins to keep their finals hopes alive.
Shaun Johnson’s Return Key for Warriors’ Performance
They welcomed veteran halfback Shaun Johnson back in last week’s loss to the Eels and are hoping he finds his form in his second game back from an Achilles injury.
The Warriors edged out a 24-20 victory when these two sides met earlier in the year and will need a similar performance to secure a win at Suncorp Stadium.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua , 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Edward Kosi 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore, 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga , 17. Leka Halasima 18. Te Maire Martin 20. Demitric Sifakula 21. Taine Tuaupiki , 22. Moala Graham-Taufa 23. Bunty Afoa
Referee. Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Michael Wise, Bunker, Grant Atkins
Recent Trends and Key Stats
The Dolphins have conceded 21 points or more in each of their last nine games.
The Warriors have won two out of three encounters against the Dolphins.
Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored 12 tries in 11 games this season.
The Warriors have lost five of their last six games at Suncorp Stadium.
Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored four tries in three games against the Warriors.
Prediction.
We’re in for some desperate footy on Sunday. Both teams have a chance to make the finals, but where they have left themselves at this time of year is also close to the edge of season over. Both coaches have said that errors and the attitude towards coming back from them are hurting their consistency. Bennett is often tight-lipped with the media because he’s already delivered his message to the team; now, it’s up to them. Webster has thrown down the gauntlet, saying he’s eager to see how his side responds, and that challenge begins this Sunday.
I will go with the Dolphins in a tight finish. Playing at home appears to have tipped the scales in the Dolphins’ favour. It’s a fair call as they have what I see as their best halves combo as well as Pangai Jr back into the forward pack.
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