Round 2: Dolphins v Dragons preview
Olivia gives her thoughts on this weekend's battle between the Dolphins and the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Bottom placed Dolphins have a chance to put their phins up when they play the dominant Dragons at Kayo Stadium.
The Dolphins are coming off a 43-18 loss to the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, where their inability to defend late in the tackle count cost them four tries. The loss was made even worse as back-rower Connelly Lemuelu reportedly dislocated his kneecap, which is set to rule him out for an extended period and lock Ray Stone failed a HIA in the second half.
Shane Flanagan's first game as Dragons coach showed fans exactly why he was brought in, as the Dragons won 28-4 over a weak Titans team at CBUS Super Stadium. New halves pairing Ben Hunt and Kyle Flanagan guided the Dragons, allowing their backs to capitalise on their plays. Their defence was strong as well, only letting the Titans grab one try late in the first half. It was their first away win since Round 24, 2022.
In team news, the Dolphins are hindered by Lemuelu and Stone's injuries. Euan Aitken is replacing the former this week in the second row and Max Plaith replacing the latter at lock. Sean O'Sullivan has been dropped from the halves, with Isaiya Katoa named at No.7. New signing Jake Averillo is set to make his club debut, and present a new centres pairing alongside Herbie Farnworth, with Tesi Niu in the reserves. Jarrod Wallace joins the interchange after missing out last week.
For St George Illawarra, prop Blake Lawrie has returned from a rib injury he attained during the trials. Returning Dragon, Luciano Leilua has been named on the bench after missing last week's win due to suspension, which pushes Viliami Fifita to 18th man. After starting last week, Raymond Faitala-Mariner has also been named on the bench.
Last meeting: Round 13 2023 - Dolphins 26 Dragons 12
Who to watch: Another new signing for the Dolphins, prop Tom Flegler made an immediate impact on the field, scoring the Dolphins first try 7 minutes into the match. He also had one line break, three tackle breaks and 100% tackle efficiency, but it wasn't enough to hold out the Cowboys. However, Flegler made a few errors - to get over the Dragons this week, he would be looking to improve discipline.
You might think Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow STILL plays for the Cowboys after his defensive decision to kick a Taulagi ball sent it right into Luki's arms. Besides his brain fade leading to a Cowboy's try, Tabuai-Fidow had seven tackle breaks and one line break, which contributed to the Dolphins long range try, of which he ran 20 out of the 80 meters. Whilst not a mesmerising game (for the right reasons at least), once he finds his attacking groove again, he can be dangerous for the Dolphin's season.
Tyrell Sloan was THE standout with a hat-trick under his belt along with two line breaks and 107 run metres. Sloan was one of the players that turned Hunt and Flanagan's plays into points. After an inconsistent 2023 season, Sloan would be looking for more consistency and dangerous demonstrations of his attacking abilities.
Newly minted winger Zac Lomax raised eyebrows with his new position, but he did not disappoint. In what was one of his best performances of his career, Lomax scored a try and had 25 runs for 234 meters. While there is always room for improvement, especially in a new position, Lomax did well in his first stint as a winger. If he continues this form into the season, other wingers are at risk of a lesson from Lomax.
Favourite: At the time of writing, the Dragons are ever so slightly tipped to take this home.
My tip: Anyone who knows me, knows my Phin is always up. The Dolphins could turn it around this week and win at home, but after the Dragons performance last week, it's safe to say they are breathing fire and are looking for two away wins in a row. Dragons by 16.
