SATURDAY APRIL,6th,2024 SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE
Dolphins vs. Tigers: A Blockbuster Showdown
On Saturday night, an unexpected showdown unfolds as the Dolphins and Tigers clash at Suncorp Stadium in a surprising blockbuster event.
Top of the Table Dolphins
The Dolphins find themselves on top of the NRL ladder after four rounds, courtesy of a bye and back-to-back wins over the Dragons and Titans, while the Tigers have finally given their fans something to cheer about following consecutive victories against the Sharks and Eels.
Dolphins’ Dominance and Signings
After copping a hiding against the Cowboys in the opening round, the Dolphins regrouped with the bye and put 38 & 30 points respectively on the Dragons and Titans.
The additions of Tom Flegler, Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo have boosted the Dolphins tenfold and they now look a side capable of challenging for the top eight – as do their opponents.
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. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Kenny Bromwich 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Tesi Niu 22. Mason Teague
Tigers’ Buzz under Benji Marshall
Club legend Benji Marshall has ignited the Tigers and they are now chasing three straight wins for the first time in six years.
Tigers’ Key Absences
However, they have suffered a big blow for this clash, with star rookie Lachlan Galvin suspended due to a hip drop in the one-point win over the Eels on Easter Monday.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Junior Tupou 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Api Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Alex Twal 17. Samuela Fainu 18. Brent Naden 19. Asu Kepaoa 20. Justin Matamua 21. Solomon Alaimalo 22. Jake Simpkin
Statistics and Headlines
Tigers haven’t won three games in a row since 2018
Dolphins are top of the table
Dolphins have scored 30+ points in their last two wins
Tigers have won just two of their last 11 games in Queensland
Jamayne Isaako has scored a try in seven of his last nine games & five in his last four at Suncorp
Isaiah Papali’i has scored a try in three of his last four games at Suncorp
PREDICTION
The absence of Galvin is poised to have a significant impact on the Tigers. The young talent has made a remarkable impact at the outset of his NRL journey, injecting crucial energy into their offensive plays.
The Dolphins are maintaining a strong momentum and merit their status as favorites, especially with home advantage factored in.
Under the leadership of Benji Marshall, the Wests Tigers are buzzing with enthusiasm, adding an intriguing dynamic to the match as it pits the NRL’s most and least experienced coaches against each other.
Additionally, the Dolphins carry a positive aura into Saturday’s encounter, occupying the top spot on the table, and their offseason signings are proving to be influential, further bolstering their prospects.
On both sides, key players are absent for the upcoming match. The home team will be without lock Max Plath, who received a two-week suspension for a hip drop tackle during their victory over the Titans last weekend. Stepping into his role in the starting lineup is the resilient and dependable Ray Stone, reclaiming the position he held after round one. This adjustment has resulted in Kenny Bromwich moving up from the 18th man to the final bench spot. However, with Jarrod Wallace, a dynamic player, named on the extended bench, there’s a possibility he might secure a spot in the starting 17. In the backline, there are no alterations, and understandably so, given the team’s convincing wins and their ability to score 30 points or more.
Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers will miss one of their standout performers from the past two weekends, Lachlan Galvin, who is also serving a two-week suspension for a hip drop tackle. Jayden Sullivan steps into his position, a role many anticipated he would fill as the default five-eighth for the Tigers in 2024. With the team performing well, Sullivan now has the opportunity to showcase his skills in a side that’s in good form.
Making his NRL debut, Latu Fainu earns a spot on the bench, wearing the number 14 jersey, marking a significant milestone in his career if he retains his place in the lineup. Fainu, previously a standout player in junior ranks at Manly, brings experience from representing both NSW Under 19s and Tonga.
In another noteworthy addition, Alex Twal joins the bench, known for his hard-working performances on the field.
I will go with the Dolphins..
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