MARCH 10th 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE AUSTRALIA
Dolphins vs. Cowboys Clash in NRL 2024 Opener
The closing match of the 2024 NRL season’s opening round features a showdown between the Dolphins and Cowboys, both hailing from Queensland, set to clash at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon
Despite missing out on the finals, the inaugural season for the Dolphins could definitely be branded as a success and Wayne Bennett will now be hoping to take his team to the next level.
Dolphins Prove Their Mettle: Defeat Cowboys in Season Opener
The Dolphins proved they have what it takes to hang with most sides in the competition and they beat the Cowboys in their first meeting last season.
Depth Concerns: Dolphins’ Late-Season Struggles Highlighted
Due to a shortage of depth, the Dolphins experienced a decline towards the conclusion of last season, suffering defeats in six out of their final seven matches. However, Bennett ensures his team will be rejuvenated and prepared for Round 1, with the inclusion of new signings Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler.
Cowboys’ Disappointing Season 2023: Missed Opportunities and Mid-Season Resurgence
Meanwhile, the Cowboys experienced a disappointing season in 2023, failing to build on their run to the preliminary finals from the previous year.
North Queensland had a mid-season resurgence, but they left themselves with too much work to do and ultimately missed out on the finals.
Injury Setback: Coen Hess Ruled Out, Taumalolo to Lead Cowboys’ Front Row
With Coen Hess sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury, Jason Taumalolo will take up a position in the front row to kick off the year.
Team line-ups
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Tesi Niu 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Max Plath 16. Kenny Bromwich 17. Mark Nicholls 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Jake Averillo 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Euan Aitken 22. Isaiya Katoa
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Jack Gosiewski 22. Jake Clifford
Referees: Chris Butler; Side line Officials: Wyatt Raymond, Drew Oultram; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;
PREDICTION
Over 42.5 points has landed in the three previous meetings, including trials.
Over 42.5 points has landed in the Cowboys’ last six games.
Over 42.5 points has landed in seven of the Dolphins’ last eight games.
Dolphins beat Cowboys in the first meeting between the teams last season.
Jamayne Isaako has scored seven tries in his last eight games at Suncorp.
Herbie Farnworth has scored at least one try in four of his last five games at Suncorp.
Kyle Feldt has scored at least one try in six of his last seven games with Cowboys as favourites
A very hard game to predict a winner this one. I love both teams. Look at any time try scorers, Drinkwater and Isaako, and I will look for a points start before I bet. Or maybe I won’t bet. Then I can watch and enjoy the game.
Comments