Round 13: Dolphins v Raiders preview
Both teams are looking to claim redemption after suffering Round 12 losses, which succeeded their respective wins at Magic Round.
The Dolphins have had a surprisingly strong start to the season, coming away with seven wins and four losses (plus a bye), which leaves them sitting in fourth place. They fell short last week, against an extremely depleted Warriors side away from home, where they lacked cohesion and flare.
With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi in QLD Origin camp, Trai Fuller slots back into fullback position, Mark Nicholls shifts from bench to starting prop and Anthony Milford joins the bench. Other than these forced changes, the team remains unchanged from the side who was defeated by the Warriors.
Floating around 8th position on the ladder, the Raiders have won six and lost five matches (along with one bye) so far this season. Last week they endured a disappointed 44-16 loss to the Roosters at home. Canberra's season has been up and down, with injuries constantly plaguing the side.
Josh Papalii returns for the Raiders after serving a one match suspension, Ata Mariota also moves from the bench to the starting side with Hudson Young on Origin duty for the Blues. Peter Hola has been dropped to out of the bench and into reserves, whilst Simi Sasagi moving into the starting 17.
These teams met twice during the 2023 season, and both came away with one win. The Dolphins won their first meeting, 20-14, then the Raiders lost their second match-up in a golden point thriller.
Last meeting: Round 9 2023 - Raiders 31 Dolphins 30
Who to watch: Playing four games this year so far whilst Tabuai-Fidow was out injured, the energetic Trai Fuller has scored two tries, whilst making one try assist, 25 tackle breaks and five line breaks. His energy, alongside the halves partnership of Katoa and Nikorima, will be important for the Dolphins to unlock a better chance of winning come Saturday.
Making his NRL debut late last year, Ethan Strange has found himself as the permanent five-eighth at the Raiders, and he has a standout season so far. In his eleven games this year he has scored one try, whilst making five try assists and four line break assists.
Favourite: Dolphins are slightly favoured to get back into the winning circle and gain their eighth win of the season.
My tip: Both sides have had a rocky start to the year and find themselves navigating losses due to injury and Origin selection.
Despite missing their star fullback, I think the Dolphins will be able to get the job done and Trai Fuller will help in the void, with the Phins being able to bounce back from the narrow loss against the Warriors. Dolphins by 12.
