Round 23: Dolphins v Warriors preview
Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium is the story of two teams barely keeping a grip on finals footy and likely hedging their season on this game. It's easy enough to say every game is important, but both teams have experienced a form slump at the wrong time of the year, leaving both coaches scratching their heads in the last few post-match press conferences.
The Dolphins come off yet another close loss but a loss nonetheless to the Sydney Roosters 34-40. The game played in Perth was one of inconsistency for the Dolphins. Fighting back from 12- 0 at one stage to go into the sheds 20-20. The Dolphins led at one stage, looked beat and then charged at the end. The rollercoaster effort from them stems from a competition rate of under 80%, which makes it a steep accent for any team trying to win.
Max Plath was a standout for the Phins, with Jake Averillo and Herbie Farnworth putting their hands up. Plath has shown his skill slipping into he hooking role while Jeremy Marshall-King recovers from a foot injury.
The Dolphins will welcome back the much improved Tevita Pangai Jr from a calf injury, as well as Kodi Nikorima, who caught a virus before the last-round game.
The Warriors will be looking to turn the end of the season around, and the announcement of their champion halfback Shaun Johnson's retirement might be the fire the New Zealanders need to tighten up their game. Their loss at home to the Parramatta Eels 20-30 was too many errors, mistakes on the last play and one one-on-one missed tackles, according to coach Andrew Webster. Webster felt the team was dominant but when they made an error, they lacked resilience in making amends.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was good for a return game from injury, as was Mitchell Barnett and Marata Niukore.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will play in the centres, and Ed Kosi will return to the wing.
Last meeting: Round 12 2024 - Warriors 24 Dolphins 20
Who to watch: With the combination of Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima in the middle, expect the Warriors line to be engaged. Plus, we will have two of the best attacking kickers in the game go head to head, with Katoa facing off against Johnson. The Warriors' middle was rattled last round after some errors, and the Eels made the most of it. If any quick halves could do the same, its Nikorima and Katoa. Watch for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to storm through any gaps these halves make or leap for a Katoa special off the boot. Max Plath is gaining a reputation as one of the hardest workers on the field. With a try and try assist last game playing hooker, the quick nuggety forward will be a beacon for the other Dolphins forwards to work off. One of those forwards will be an in-form Tevita Pangai Jr, who has come out recently with a point to prove and that's good for Dolphins fans, but it just has to be off the back of the team effort.
Shaun Johnson will go out with a bang; with this being his last year, expect the halfback to put everything on the line to get this team a whiff of the finals footy. Origin is a hell of a drug, and Mich Barrett seemingly has it coursing through his veins still. The inspiring forward continues to turn up for the team no matter what and is leading from the front, beware if he can get the others to join him and lift. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will be charging hard from the back. RTS has answered the call; he needs the like of Nicol-Klokstad to be there when he busts through a half tackle to take the ball and get to the finish line. We are going to witness some desperation footy on Sunday. Both teams have a chance to make the finals, but where they have left themselves at this time of year is also close to the edge of season over. Both coaches have said that errors and the attitude towards coming back from them are hurting their consistency. Bennett is always out of words for the media because he's dished them up to his team; it's on them. Webster has challenged his team by saying he is keen to see how they bounce back, and it starts this Sunday for them.
FAVOURITE: Dolphins at home seemed to have tipped the scales in their favour. It's a fair call as they have what I see as their best halves combo as well as Pangai Jr back into the forward pack.
MY TIP: That this will be one of the games of the round. Both teams are eye to eye with their season future, and it will be desperation football. Players like Dallin Watene Zeleziack and the Hammer are the athletes who will thrive in such conditions Dolphins to win by 10 in a high-scoring game.
