MARCH 17th, 2024 KAYO STADIUM, REDCLIFFE, AUSTRALIA
Dolphins’ Misfortunes Continue
The Dolphins are coming off a 43-18 loss to the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, where their inability to defend late in the tackle count cost them four tries. The loss was made even worse as back-rower Connelly Lemuelu reportedly dislocated his kneecap, which is set to rule him out for an extended period and lock Ray Stone failed a HIA in the second half.
Flanagan’s Dragons Soar High
Shane Flanagan’s debut as Dragons coach immediately justified his appointment, with the team securing a dominant 28-4 victory over the struggling Titans at CBUS Super Stadium. New halves pairing Ben Hunt and Kyle Flanagan guided the Dragons, allowing their backs to capitalise on their plays. Their defence was strong as well, only letting the Titans grab one try late in the first half. They hadn’t clinched an away victory since Round 24 of 2022.
Team Adjustments for Dolphins
In team news, the Dolphins are hindered by Lemuelu and Stone’s injuries. Euan Aitken is replacing the former this week in the second row and Max Plaith replacing the latter at lock. Sean O’Sullivan has been dropped from the halves, with Isaiya Katoa named at No.7. New signing Jake Averillo is set to make his club debut, and present a new centres pairing alongside Herbie Farnworth, with Tesi Niu in the reserves. Jarrod Wallace joins the interchange after missing out last week.
Dragons’ Welcome Returns
St George Illawarra sees the return of prop Blake Lawrie from a rib injury sustained during the trials. Luciano Leilua, back in action for the Dragons after a suspension sidelined him for last week’s victory, takes his place on the bench, thereby moving Viliami Fifita to the 18th man position. Additionally, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, who started last week, finds himself named on the bench once again.
Notable Statistics and Trends
Dolphins have lost 11 of their last 13 games
Dragons crushed Titans 28-4 in Round 1
Dolphins lost 43-18 vs Cowboys in Round 1
Both previous meetings have seen 40+ points scored
Jamayne Isaako has scored a try in six of his last seven games
Mikaele Ravalawa has scored 15 tries in his last 13 games
Team line-ups
St George
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Viliami Fifita 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Jesse Marschke 21. Ben Murdoch-Masila 22. Hame Sele
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. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Tesi Niu 22. Mason Teague
Referee: Grant Atkins; Side line Officials: Liam Kennedy, Phil Henderson; Video Referee: Chris Butler
PREDICTION
The Dolphins were terrible last week – they missed countless tackles and leaking 43 points in Round 1 is never a good sign. The halves again look like an issue. I though certain players looked very lazy and not interested. I hope I was wrong. The Dragons will start as favourite, but I am a Phin’s Up fan, so I will look for a points start with the Dolphins. And the Hammer any time try scorer.
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