Dolphins v Warriors preview

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Dolphins v Warriors Saturday 3:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Katoa v Metcalf in the battle of next-gen halves

The NRL's two young halves sensations in Isaiya Katoa and Luke Metcalf go head-to-head to kickstart Round 11's Super Saturday when the Dolphins host the Warriors from Suncorp Stadium.

2025 has been a rough initiation into the week-in-week-out coaching cycle for Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf with the side taking a little longer to find their groove in the post Wayne Bennett world of Redcliffe. But after a slow start which had many critics questioning the succession plan, the Dolphins have only lost once since Round 5 in a clear sign that the changes are having a desired effect at last.

Isaiya Katoa has really come into his own this year, taking full reigns of the Dolphins offence with his instinctual running game causing chaos for defences around the league. His pass selection and kicking game has also improved tenfold on previous seasons and the combination with his spine has been really key for the Phins in this mini run of late. Their unheralded pack has also lifted this year with the likes of Finefuiaki and Molo really adding some umph to a forward group that needed it.

To beat the Warriors, they need to match intensity of the pack nice and early and dictate terms the way they want to play. If they play the way the Warriors want to, they will lose because the visitors just have too much leg speed around the ruck so it's going to be up to the backs to get the speed advantage out wide. Onto the team news, Dolphins are unchanged for this clash.

After ten rounds of the season, a lot of people (including yours truly) are sat here eating a good old slice of humble pie after the Warriors have blown away most people's expectations (circa 2023 anyone). After a Vegas horror show, everyone was getting out the champagne citing a correct prediction for the first time, but there was just one problem… the Warriors took it personally.

They have been a joy to watch this season, with a great pack of forwards and a halves combination that has defied expectations. Chanel Harris-Tavita has been the perfect foil for Luke Metcalf who has been sensational this season, with his speed around the ruck blowing teams away, especially in Magic Round a fortnight ago with a coming out part on the biggest regular season stage. 

Their unsung pack of forwards have risen to the call in the absence of James Fisher-Harris with new signing Erin Clark leading the way after Dylan Walker's departure. Young guns Leka Halasima and Demitric Vaimauga rose to the call with Supercoach users everywhere looking at this week's teamlists to see the minutes impacts for their rising stars.

Speaking of team-lists, let's look at them. Jackson Ford and Bunty Afoa are OUT, James Fisher-Harris returns from a pectoral injury, shifting Marata Niukore to an edge while Sam Healey comes onto the bench. 

Last meeting: Round 23 2024 - Dolphins 34 Warriors 32

Who to watch: The Dolphins other big name to shine this season has been outside back Herbie Farnworth. After a slow opening fortnight, he has been sensational for the Dolphins on the left edge, racking up tackle-breaks for fun and coming up with big plays on a nearly weekly basis to get the Phins out of trouble. Farnworth averages 6.2 tackle breaks PER GAME as well as 165 metres. Watch for Herbie to try and capitalise on a matchup that is favourable for him this weekend.

For the Warriors, we mentioned him earlier but we have to go more in-depth here and that is Erin Clark. His signing has been a critical one for the Warriors, who struggled to replace Josh Curran last year for impact in the middle third of the field. This year, that problem has been answered emphatically with the middle forward exploding back into form, averaging over 150 metres a game and making over 33 tackles a game (on average). Since Walker's departure, he has played 60 minutes + in every game showing his value to this side.

Favourite: The Warriors are favourites at the time of publication. The Warriors hold a 2-2 record over the Phins with both wins coming at Suncorp Stadium (today's venue).

My tip: It's a toss of the coin, but I suspect this will be the end of the Warriors Suncorp Curse, having not won here (outside of Magic Round) since 2021. They have been in a rich vein of form this season and I just have concerns on whether the Dolphins pack can match the intensity of the Warriors middles for 80 minutes as well as contain Magic Luke! Warriors by 8.

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Ray Stone 14. Harrison Graham 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Josh Kerr 17. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Sean O'Sullivan

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 22. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Eddie Ieremia

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Tyson Brough; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;