NRL, ROUND 20, JULY 16th, 2023 REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v PENRITH PANTHERS
KAYO STADIUM,REDCLIFFE,QLD
The excitement is building as the Redcliffe Dolphins prepare to face their toughest test yet against the ladder-leading Penrith Panthers in Round 20 of the NRL at Kayo Stadium. As the newest club in the league, the Dolphins are gearing up to face the back-to-back premiership winners, leaving fans curious about how they will fare in this thrilling encounter.
For the Dolphins, all eyes are on Queensland Maroons center Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as he looks to build on his State of Origin three performance. With Valynce Te Whare dropping to the reserves, Tabuai-Fidow is expected to bring his electrifying skills to the field. In addition, the return of veteran second-rower Felise Kaufusi from concussion adds valuable experience to the starting side. Kenny Bromwich shifts to the front row, pushing Herman Ese’ese to the interchange bench, and Josh Kerr back to the reserves.
While the Dolphins have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, they still face an uphill battle in the Top 8 race. Their maiden clash against the two-time premiers, Penrith Panthers, presents a formidable challenge. The Dolphins displayed great determination in a narrow 24-16 loss to the Broncos and snapped a four-match losing streak with a thrilling 23-21 golden point victory over the Titans.
Despite missing several starting players due to State of Origin commitments, the Dolphins showcased resilience and poise as they fought back from a halftime deficit to secure a memorable win. The return of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow from Origin duty further bolsters their lineup, adding an extra dimension to their attacking prowess. However, the Panthers pose a different level of challenge.
The Panthers, despite enduring a demanding rep period, have been in stellar form, winning seven out of their last eight games. They have proved their mettle with impressive victories over the Knights and a commanding 34-16 triumph against Melbourne. The absence of key player Nathan Cleary since Round 14 has not dampened their spirit, as they continue to dominate the competition.
In the clash against the Dolphins, the Panthers will rely on their NSW quartet of Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton, and Brian To’o. These players bring invaluable experience and skill to the Panthers’ lineup. While Coach Ivan Cleary has been known to rest his Origin stars, the team remains a formidable force with Soni Luke and Jaeman Salmon providing strength from the bench.
As the Dolphins and Panthers lock horns at Kayo Stadium, the atmosphere is sure to be electric. With both teams eyeing crucial points, this Round 20 encounter promises an exhilarating display of skill and determination. The Dolphins will look to make their mark against the premiership-winning Panthers, while the Panthers aim to maintain their winning streak and extend their dominance in the league.
Dolphins team: 1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harrison Graham 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Herman Eseese 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Anthony Milford 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Josh Kerr 19. Valynce Te Whare 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Brenko Lee 22. Kurt Donoghoe
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Zac Hosking 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Luke Garner 21. Tyrone Peachey 22. Thomas Jenkins 23. Jesse McLean 24. Nathan Cleary
Panthers have won seven of their last eight games
Dolphins have lost four of their last five games
Dolphins have lost seven of their nine games vs teams currently in the top eight
Ivan Cleary has won six of his last seven games against Wayne Bennett
Dolphins haven’t won back-to-back games since the start of the season
Three of Dolphins’ last four defeats have been by 22 points or more
Brian To’o has scored a try in five of his last six games & scored in Origin mid-week
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored a try in 10 of his last 14 games & scored in Origin mid-week
PREDICTION
Ivan Cleary may well rest some Origin players here and he can afford to do that as they sit pretty near the top of the ladder. This will help the Dolphins a little ,but I think the Panthers will be too strong in the finish. Panthers 13 plus.
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