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Dolphins v North Queensland Cowboys Friday 8:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Cowboys looking to survive against the ‘Phins

The North Queensland Cowboys will be looking for survival when they travel down to Suncorp Stadium and take on the Dolphins on Friday Night as part of Round 26 of the NRL season. 

It's been a year filled with ups and downs for the Northerners with the golden question of what could've been pondering around lately. However, after a mid-season revival which saw them become the talk of the rugby league world. The Cowboys have crashed down to reality dropping three on the trot and now putting themselves in danger of missing the top 8, something once thought impossible some weeks ago. 

A reminder that on Good Friday, the Dolphins beat the Cowboys after the Phins blew the Cowboys off the park with ruthless force in the first half. The visitors will need to improve their completion rate and red-zone efficiency if they want to keep their season alive. In the forwards, guys such as Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter need to give their side a platform. That will allow Scott Drinkwater (who's been quiet in recent weeks) room to move at the back along with Tom Dearden to orchestrate their play. 

Heilum Luki comes into the starting side with Jeremiah Nanai sidelined by a shoulder injury. The new man on the bench is Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. In the backline, Zac Laybutt comes into the centres, Murray Taulagi pushes to the wing and Semi Valemei is out with a knee injury.

Unpredictable is the story of the first year of the Dolphins. It's been an emotional roller-coaster for the expansion side, exceeding all expectations early on but slowly falling down the ladder thanks to a combination of injuries and lack of depth. The Dolphins have won just one of their past 10 matches but continue to dig deep in the face of an hefty injury toll as their debut season nears its completion.  

However, they have a real chance of playing spoiler against the Cowboys on Friday night and potentially eliminating them from the finals race. There's a lot of focus on their forwards and their bench forwards have a real ability to impact a game. Jarrod Wallace's season has been underrated by many, his impact and running game has improved so much this season as a Dolphin and is a shining light. Elsewhere, their backs have been a joy to watch with Jamayne Isaako enjoying a career revival in 2023 along with Sean O'Sullivan who's gone from strength to strength at half-back. A similar game-plan to what we saw in Easter, could guide the Phins home.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is back from a head knock in the No1. jersey so Kodi Nikorima returns to five-eighth and Isaiya Katoa is dropped from the side. Forwards Connelly Lemuelu and Kenny Bromwich return from head knocks to bolster the pack. Herman Ese'ese and Euan Aitken shift to the bench with JJ Collins and Trai Fuller making way.

Last meeting: Round 6 2023 - Cowboys 22 Dolphins 32

Who to watch: For North Queensland, I'm focusing on Chad Townsend. A lot of criticism has been levelled at Chad, most of it fair given his salary and the demise of the Cowboys this season. Currently, Chad is at a low in try-assists not seen in a full regular season (excluding 2020) since 2015. That is not the footy Chad produced last season, but if he can shine one last time, then he could come up with the spark the Cowboys need to play finals.

For the Dolphins, they see the return of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. The Hammer has enjoyed a break-out season crossing 15 times in 18 matches. Recently he's been stuck at centre but sees a return to full-back against his old club who didn't want him at the back. Last time out against his old club, he crossed for 2 tries, had a try-assist and ran for 136 metres. Similar numbers could guide the Dolphins home.

Favourite: The Cowboys are favourites for this one.

My tip:  With the match vital for the visitors to win, it would be in Wayne Bennett Style to deliver an old-fashion ambush for their second last home game of the season. Given the changes impact the Cowboys edge defence which has been suspect at times this season. The Dolphins should be given every chance to win and I am going to tip an upset here. Dolphins by 4.

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Tesi Niu 16. Euan Aitken 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O'Sullivan 14. Jarrod Wallace 9. Harrison Graham 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 15. Josh Kerr 17. Herman Ese'ese 18. JJ Collins 19. Isaiya Katoa 22. Kurt Donoghoe

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Heilum Luki 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Coen Hess 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Jarrod Cole; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;