Round 17: Dolphins and Bunnies prepare for battle to the death after tough last start losses
The Dolphins and Rabbitohs will do battle in the second leg of the "double header that's not actually a double header" at Suncorp Stadium, with one side looking to keep their finals ambitions afloat while the other desperately tries to resurrect their season.
This match was initially scheduled to be played at Accor Stadium, but when Cyclone Alfred threatened to postpone the Round 1 match between these sides, Souths offered the Dolphins a chance to swap the home and away games around.
Coming off the back of a momentum shattering loss to the Knights last week, the Dolphins sit just outside the eight and are searching for ways to get back inside, with a win against Souths and their former coach Wayne Bennett a great way to start that chase.
They have had to make one change to their side, with Jack Bostock joining a growing list of Dolphins out for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL. Junior Tupou replaced him on the wing, while in an unforced change last week's debutant Aublix Tawha drops out of the side to be replaced by Josh Kerr.
The Rabbitohs were also defeated last week, in a golden point loss to Melbourne, showcasing their improvements from the start of the season but highlighting they still have further to go as they look to turn around what has been a horror two years for the proud foundation club, winning just 17 of their last 52 matches.
They get the cavalry back however - former Origin stars Campbell Graham and Cody Walker returning from injury, while hooker Peter Mamouzelos has been named on the bench to return from an elbow injury. Isaiah Tass, Liam Le Blanc and Ryan Gray are the casualties of the inclusions, while Jack Wighton and Euan Aitken switch positions as a result.
Last meeting: Round 1 2025 - Rabbitohs 16 Dolphins 14
Who to watch: The Dolphins look so much better when Isaiya Katoa is firing. The 21 year old is in career best form with 14 try assists, 11 line break assists and 8 forced dropouts across the season. The Knights contained him well last week, and while he did have a try assist his running game and defence was questionable, so the Dolphins will be hoping their star number 7 bounces back this week.
The Rabbitohs hopes and dreams rely on Latrell Mitchell. His second half performance against Melbourne dragged them back into the contest, and despite falling in Golden Point the Bunnies will see that as a sign they can beat anyone when the star fullback is on. With 9 try assists in as many games in 2025, including four against Melbourne, expect Trell to be in charge for Souths once more.
The favourite: The Phins are favoured in this one, paying $1.54 on Sportsbet
My tip: The Dolphins seem a little shaky right now, while Souths are looking like they have found some form. Don't discount the upset here. Bunnies by 8.
