THURSDAY JULY 17th 2025 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 7.50pm
Hammer Returns as Dolphins Reshuffle for Thursday Night Clash
The Dolphins are bracing for a pivotal Thursday night showdown with a mix of relief and resilience.
After missing time during the Origin period, Queensland star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow—affectionately known as “The Hammer”—is back in the No.1 jersey, bringing speed, flair, and confidence to the backline. His return sees Jake Averillo shifted out to the wing, adding even more strike on the edges.
In the forward pack, Connelly Lemuelu earns a deserved promotion to the starting side following a cruel blow for Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who has been sidelined with a broken thumb. The reshuffle doesn’t stop there—veteran prop Mark Nicholls has been ruled out under concussion protocols, prompting the Dolphins to dig into their depth.
That’s where Harrison Graham and Peter Hola come in—both called up to the bench and eager to make their mark in what promises to be a high-stakes contest.
Have a look at the Dolphins injury list
Mark Nicholls, Concussion, Round 22
Felise Kaufusi, MCL, Round 22
Sebastian Su’a, Knee, Round 22
Kodi Nikorima, Hamstring, Round 23-24
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Thumb, Round 23-25
Daniel Saifiti, Shoulder, 2026
Tom Gilbert, Shoulder, 2026
Max Plath, ACL, 2026
Jack Bostock, ACL, 2026
Thomas Flegler, Shoulder, TBC
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jake Averillo 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley , 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Ray Stone 16. Josh Kerr 17. Peter Hola, 18. Tevita Naufahu 19. Kenny Bromwich 20. LJ Nonu 21. Trai Fuller 22. Ryan Jackson
Out: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (second row), Mark Nicholls (bench), Tevita Naufahu (wing to reserve)
In: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (fullback), Harrison Graham (bench), Peter Hola (bench)
Changes: Jake Averillo (fullback to wing), Connelly Lemuelu (bench to second row)
Cowboys Shuffle the Deck as Injuries Force Late Changes
The Cowboys will head into Thursday night’s clash with a reshuffled side, as injuries once again test their depth in the back end of the 2025 season.
Veteran prop Jordan McLean has been ruled out as he battles lingering calf and ankle complaints. In his place, powerhouse Thomas Mikaele steps into the starting front row, ready to bring his trademark aggression through the middle.
McLean’s absence also paves the way for an exciting opportunity: rising talent Kaiden Lahrs earns a spot on the bench, marking a key step in his development as one of North Queensland’s brightest forward prospects.
In the backline, Todd Payten has made a tactical switch, recalling winger Jaxson Paulo for what will be just his third appearance of the year. His inclusion sees Robert Derby move to the reserves, offering fresh firepower out wide.
Meanwhile, Jake Clifford remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a quad strain, and hopes of a John Bateman return have been dashed for at least another week as the Englishman’s groin issue lingers.
With the finals race heating up, the Cowboys will need their next-man-up mentality more than ever.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Braidon Burns 4. Zac Laybutt, 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Thomas Mikaele, 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai , 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell, 17. Coen Hess 18. Ryan Rivett 19. Robert Derby 20. Temple Kalepo , 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Dane Aukafolau
Out: Jordan McLean (front row), Robert Derby (wing to reserve)
In: Jaxson Paulo (wing), Kaiden Lahrs (bench)
Changes: Murray Taulagi (centre to wing), Braidon Burns (wing to centre), Thomas Mikaele (bench to front row)
Dolphins Look to Bounce Back as Form Lines Blur Ahead of Queensland Derby
Last week, the Dolphins turned in one of their flattest performances of the season against the Sharks—leaving fans and pundits alike asking a simple question: Was it the absence of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow that dulled their spark, or was the missing ingredient Kodi Nikorima’s creativity through the middle?
Either way, they never quite clicked.
Up in Townsville, the Cowboys went toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs for the full 80 minutes. But the Bulldogs themselves looked out of sorts, making it tough to get a clear read on where either team truly stands.
That makes this weekend’s clash a tough one to tip. Both sides are coming off patchy showings, and the form guide offers more confusion than clarity. But with The Hammer back and the Dolphins keen to make a statement, I’m backing Kristian Wolfe’s men to bounce back at home.
Match Officials
Referees, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Jarrod Cole, David Munro, Bunker, Kasey Badger.
Lets hope no decisions end up with the Bunker this week.
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