Round 7: Dolphins v Rabbitohs preview
Dolphins host South Sydney to open round seven
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are facing a tough trip North to Lang Park for a clash against a surprisingly successful Dolphins franchise in front of what is sure to be a stellar crowd. The Thursday night fixture holds plenty of importance for both sides, with the home team sitting six spots above their opposition on the ladder, something that perhaps nobody could've predicted before the season kicked off.
The Dolphins shot out of the blocks in the early rounds, going undefeated in their first three matches. Some injuries to key players hurt their efforts against the Dragons a fortnight ago, and they suffered a massively disappointing loss. It seemed that the fairytale was over just as soon as it had begun, with The Dolphins seemingly reminded that they had no business winning matches in their first NRL season. But they ignored the doubters.
A hugely important win last week against the Cowboys has reignited the ‘Phins up' hype. Triumphing 32-22 away from home in Townsville, the win lifted them back into the NRL top four. They started strong, going up five tries to one in just over half an hour. But The Dolphins had to fight off a quick finishing North Queensland team who very nearly stole the two points in the final ten minutes.
Jesse Bromwich is back on deck for the home side in a massive inclusion after he missed last week's win due to sickness. Edrick Lee drops to the reserves with Wayne Bennett favouring Robert Jennings on the wing. Jarrod Wallace will miss out due to a Category One concussion that he sustained against the Cowboys, so JJ Collins joins the bench.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs have experienced a mixed bag of results to start 2023. Their past three matches in a row in Homebush have seen a nail biting victory over Manly and an eight point loss to a depleted Storm side. Last week they played away against the Bulldogs (at the home ground they share), and put on a 50 point showcase. The performance has sparked plenty of excitement, and they'll be looking to build on that this week.
Latrell Mitchell bounced back into form against the Bulldogs, running in a hat trick to silence the Canterbury-Bankstown crowd. He also racked up two try assists, a line break assist, and nearly 200 running metres. Mitchell will want to use that performance to kick-start what has been an at times difficult start to 2023 for the fullback.
Jai Arrow returns from injury, and replaces Tevita Tatola in the 17 named on Tuesday. Alex Johnston returns on the wing after missing last week's clash for Souths, with Izaac Tu'itupou Thompson on the other wing. Taane Milne has been named as 18th man.
This game is the first of three at Lang Park for Souths over the next four rounds, so they'll want to begin to feel at home in Brisbane. This Thursday is also their first game outside of Sydney in 2023.
Last meeting: first meeting between these clubs.
Who to watch: Jamayne Isaako has had a mixed few years. Spending a lot of time in the Queensland Cup last year while signed with the Gold Coast, he jumped ship to join the Dolphins for 2023. He has played in every match so far for the Redcliffe-based side, and has made plenty of positive contributions, scoring a hat trick to help his side over the line last week against the Cowboys. He'll need to keep the good performances up though if he wants to cement his NRL spot - there are plenty of wingers in the Dolphins set-up vying for his #2 jersey.
Despite breaking numerous records in our game, Souths winger Alex Johnston has never played for the NSW Blues. The one club man has donned international jerseys for both Australia and Papua New Guinea, as well as making representative appearances for the Australian Indigenous All Stars. With 200 NRL games rapidly approaching, Johnston is one of the most experienced wingers in the sport, and he's going to be finishing tries for many years to come.
The favourite: Despite the vaguely Brisbane/Queensland Dolphins starting their inaugural season in a strong manner, the Rabbitohs are the strong favourites to topple them this Thursday.
My tip: The Dolphins have shown that they are not just a one hit wonder. They've managed to bounce back from some injury and suspension woes, as well as a disheartening defeat to the Dragons. Why can't they win again? Dolphins by 4.
