4:05 pm SUNDAY, JULY 28th, 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE,QLD
DOLPHINS’ PERFECT RECORD ON THE LINE IN SUNSHINE SHOWDOWN
Match Officials
Referee. Todd Smith ,Touch Judges. Michael Wise, Jarrod Cole, Bunker. Ashley Klein
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. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Trai Fuller, 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Tesi Niu 20. Anthony Milford 21. Mason Teague 22. Oryn Keeley.
Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall, 14. Isaac Liu 15. Klese Haas 16. Keenan Palasia , 17. Josiah Pahulu , 18. Tony Francis 19. Joe Stimson 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Jacob Alick-Wiencke , 22. Jaylan De Groot.
A glorious Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium sets the stage for the fourth edition of the aptly named Sunshine Showdown between the Dolphins and the Gold Coast Titans. The Dolphins have dominated this matchup, winning all three previous clashes.
UNCHANGED LINEUP: DOLPHINS AND TITANS STICK WITH WINNING FORMULA
Last season’s showdown at Suncorp Stadium was particularly memorable, with the Dolphins tying the record for the largest come-from-behind victory, overcoming a 26-point deficit. Since then, the NRL’s newest team has won the next two games, holding a 3-0 head-to-head lead over the Titans.
Cronulla is the only other NRL team that has yet to defeat the Dolphins.
The Dolphins enter this match after a heart-breaking Golden Point loss to the premiers in Penrith, a result that left their head coach displeased, as he despises the concept regardless of the outcome.
I also hate golden point. I do not see anything wrong with a draw and both teams scoring one point each. This game should have been won by the Dolphins in normal time but for a costly error in the last seconds. Despite the loss, it was one of the Dolphins’ best games this season, holding a 14-point lead at one stage and completing an impressive 92% of their sets. The difference was the halfbacks on the day,
Isaiya Katoa had an opportunity for a field goal but opted against it, while Penrith’s Nathan Cleary nailed a two-point field goal on his first attempt in his comeback match. Although the Dolphins have only two wins in their past seven games, four of their five losses were by six points or fewer, including against Penrith and Melbourne. Only in the second half against the Dragons have the Dolphins performed below par.
KEY BATTLES: PANGAI VS. FIFITA AND THE HALVES SHOWDOWN
Unsurprisingly, after one of their best games last weekend, the Dolphins have named an unchanged lineup for this match, with Trai Fuller remaining on the bench as the utility. It’s expected he’ll see more game time than the eight minutes he played last weekend.
In good news for Fuller fans, the club announced he has been given a Top 30 contract for 2025 and 2026, a well-deserved reward for his perseverance and impressive performances when given the chance this season.
Similarly in team news the Gold Coast Titans have named an unchanged line up, with AJ Brimson not yet ready to return. The unchanged teams is good news for power forwards, with David Fifita up against Tevita Pangai Junior, two large brutes that initially played together for the Broncos a few years ago.
Pangai has been a tremendous signing for the Dolphins, who have lacked a little bit of what Pangai has brought, especially the offloads which has brought another dimension in attack that they have lacked at times.
Another fascinating battle is in the halves, with both teams offering a blend of young excitement and experienced skill. The blossoming partnership of Isaiya Katoa-Kodi Nikorima has been a key to the Dolphins’ attacking success this season, with Katoa mostly playing well beyond his age and experience in the NRL.
The Titans’ halves have been less stable this season, but the pairing of Jayden Campbell and Kieran Foran played together for two of the three games during their recent winning streak. Campbell, in particular, has been outstanding for the Gold Coast whenever he’s available.
DOLPHINS TO EDGE OUT TITANS IN CLOSE ENCOUNTER
The Dolphins have a perfect record of three wins from three games against the Titans.
The Titans have won three of their past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has won his last six head-to-head games against Des Hasler.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored seven tries in his past four games.
The Dolphins have conceded 26 points or more in their past six games.
Prediction.
The Dolphins would have been disappointed last week when they allowed an understrength Panthers to run down their big second half lead. Similarly, the Titans scored the first two tries early against Manly but failed to score again. While finals football may now be out of reach for the Titans, they will be highly motivated to defeat their fellow Queenslanders. Expect a close finish, with the Dolphins likely coming out on top.
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