8:00pm FRIDAY AUGUST 2nd, 2024 HBF PARK PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Dolphins Face Roosters in Crucial Perth Clash
The Dolphins will regret letting a 14-point lead slip away, resulting in a loss to the Titans on Sunday and pushing them to the brink of the top eight.
Now in eighth place with a challenging month ahead against the Roosters, Warriors, Bulldogs, and Storm, Wayne Bennett’s squad must swiftly move past this setback and concentrate on the significant prize still within reach.
Dolphins’ Struggles and Injury Updates
Securing a maiden finals berth in just their second season would be a monumental achievement, but losses in four of their past five matches have left them vulnerable to the closing pack. This includes the Raiders and Dragons, who trail the Dolphins solely on points differential.
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. Sean O’Sullivan, 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Tesi Niu, 20. Anthony Milford 21. Mason Teague 22. Trai Fuller
Roosters’ Recent Performance and Key Players
The Roosters nearly squandered two competition points against Manly, as two intercept passes from Luke Keary allowed DCE and his team to narrow the gap from 34-18 to 34-30 with four minutes remaining at Allianz Stadium.
Ultimately, the Roosters held on to secure their 12th win of the season, moving past the Sharks to claim third place on the ladder.
With star centre Joseph Manu returning from a hand injury this week, the Roosters are well-positioned to secure the crucial double chance. Four of their remaining games are against teams currently outside the top eight.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith , 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson , 14. Sitili Tupouniua , 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May , 18. Sandon Smith 19. Siua Wong 20. Ethan King 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Robert Toia
Referee. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, David Munro, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Liam Kennedy
Key Stats and Historical Context
The Dolphins lost their only previous match in Perth, a 30-28 defeat to the Knights in 2023.
The Roosters will play in Perth for the first time since 1995.
The Dolphins have surrendered a half-time lead in three of their past four games.
Roosters winger Dominic Young has scored six tries in his past five games.
Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako scored a hat-trick in last year’s game in Perth.
Prediction
The Dolphins surged to a 14-0 lead in the first 21 minutes against the Titans last week before faltering, while the Roosters conceded more points than they’d have liked but managed to hang on and defeat the Sea Eagles.
The Dolphins have developed a habit of throwing away victories, putting them on the verge of dropping out of the Top 8. Meanwhile, the Roosters need to keep winning to maintain their spot in the Top 4 and should secure the points in Perth.
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