Round 2: Dolphins v Raiders preview
Dolphins aim to keep their Phins Up
The NRL's newest franchise the Dolphins will play their first match at Kayo Stadium when they go head to head with the Canberra Raiders on Super Saturday.
The Dolphins definitely surprised many when they were able to make lightwork of competition heavyweights the Roosters in front of a raucous crowd at Suncorp Stadium. Despite only being together for one off-season, they were at their scintillating best tearing apart a woeful opposition and taking control of the contest in the middle third once the Roosters starting forwards came off the ground. Felise Kaufusi made his impression known with several big hits turning momentum towards the Dolphins, while rookie Isaiya Katoa showed the leap to first grade wasn't beyond him with an impressive debut.
This week they go head to head with the Raiders who showed signs of vulnerability under the high ball last week with Seb Kris at the back. They should face forward resistance with Josh Papali'i still out with a calf injury. However, they'll be on their game for the full 80 minutes just like they did against the Roosters. Jeremy Marshall-King's ability to control the ruck will cause the Raiders middle problems.
As far as the team-list is concerned. The starting 13 will line-up as it did against the Roosters, there is another change on the bench. St Dominic's College graduate and Penrith junior Mason Teague is set to make his first grade debut from the pine. He has a phenomenal work-rate and has impressed in the pre-season, he replaces Ray Stone on the bench.
Turning our attention to the Raiders and their plans for the season were thrown into disarray following Xavier Savage's broken jaw in the pre-season challenge. Kris is a stop-gap measure at best but is doing a commendable job. Last start against the Cowboys, they were poor in the first half as they were forced to do a lot of defending in that first 40 and as a result they conceded three tries on the bounce before bouncing back to level up, however the Cowboys escaped with the one point verdict.
Looking to the match-up against the Dolphins. There is a lot of favourable match-ups here especially in the backs that could swing the Raiders way and get their first win of the season. However, the match-up lies up front. The Raiders have invested a lot of development of their forwards in the last few seasons with great results. Joe Tapine had a breakout 2022 and looks set to go again, easily leading the numbers for the Canberra pack last start. His duel with Jesse Bromwich will be a highlight of this fixture.
Canberra are dealt a blow with star winger Jordan Rapana sidelined (again) for the next few weeks following a shoulder charge in the loss to the Cowboys. Albert Hopoate will come onto the wing as his replacement. Elsewhere, Josh Papali'i is still sidelined with a calf injury so Pasami Saulo gets a chance to press his claims up front.
Last meeting: first meeting between these clubs
Who to watch: Fresh off a World Cup year with Tonga and the immense wraps under his belt. It's safe to say that Isaiya Katoa was as close to a home run signing as it came for the expansion club. After outperforming Anthony Milford in the trials, Katoa was given the keys to the Dolphins attack in the season opener. After a quiet first half and getting rocked by a hit from Joseph Aukoso-Suaali'i, Katoa showed his toughness by laying his hands on Dolphins tries in the second half. If this form continues, Katoa will be the franchise player the Dolphins were longing for.
After losing his Origin spot due to an untimely COVID infection, Jack Wighton was unable to continue the form pre-infection. However, the Raiders were able to get home and run the table due to their forwards carrying the load. Wighton needs a big 2023 and his challenge only gets harder without Savage in the line-up. His greatest asset is his running game and looking back at the Dolphins' debut game, Luke Keary and Sam Walker were able to split the defence a couple of times so look for Wighton to run the football and cause some nervous moments for Dolphins fans.
The favourite: Despite opening round results, the Raiders are better favoured by the bookies in this contest.
My tip: Well I see the Dolphins facing a tougher test than the one the Roosters put in front of them last Sunday considering the Roosters gave them that game on a silver platter. However, the Raiders will be keen to stifle the opposition in the warm conditions. That being said, this is the Dolphins first official game in Redcliffe, and we all know how they like first impressions. Dolphins by 8.
