Round 12: Dolphins v Storm preview
Melbourne brings a storm up to Suncorp Stadium this Saturday, to face the Dolphins who are fresh off a bye.
The Dolphins have come out and impressed everyone in their inaugural season, sitting in 6th position on the ladder with more wins than losses. They are currently leading the NRL for least errors made, with only 85 so far this season, and are in the top 4 for set completion, equal with Melbourne with both completing at 81%.
Melbourne sits just above the Dolphins on the ladder, having the same number of wins, losses and byes so far during the season, with their point deferential of only 7 points setting the two teams apart going in Round 12. Melbourne had a rough and rocky win against the Broncos last week and will be looking to put on a solid performance this coming Saturday night.
Jesse Bromwich and Brenko Lee both return to the side from hamstring injuries, pushing Magic Round sensation Valynce Te Whare and Poasa Faamausili out of the side. Ray Stone joins the bench after suffering a head knock in Round 10, with Mark Nicholls named as 18th man for the team.
Melbourne has a similar side to last week, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona named to play despite suffering a knock to the ribs last week against Brisbane, and Tui Kamikamica dropped to the bench, out of the starting 13 side.
These teams have not met yet in the Dolphins' inaugural season - and this is the only scheduled clash between the clubs in 2023.
Who to watch: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been an absolute highflyer for the Dolphins so far during their opening season, where he has scored 10 tries in 10 games, scoring in 8/10 matches. He is often floated among the list of potential players to be named in the QLD origin side, and truly deserves to be among those ranks. I am excited to see what he will bring out of the bag this Saturday night.
Making his NRL and Storm debut only in Round 1 of this season, Will Warbrick is already leaving his mark in the game. Already having 5 tries to his name, he is starting his NRL career on a high note and would love to see him add to this count this round.
Favourite: Melbourne is slightly favoured to claim victory over the home side.
My tip: I think it'll be a tough but interesting game with the score line going either way, and definitely a match full of emotion, with three former Storm forwards now a part of the Dolphins side. Melbourne by 2.
