Sharks v Dolphins preview

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Dolphins Thursday 7:50pm at Sharks Stadium, Woolooware / Dharawal

The Dolphins head to Sydney for the first time in 2024 as the Sharks and Dolphins go head-to-head in a battle of the fins!

The Cronulla Sharks will host the Dolphins on Thursday night at PointsBet Stadium in what promises to be an electrifying clash. The Sharks come into this game on the back of a remarkable comeback against the Broncos, overturning a halftime deficit to win 22-12. 

This performance was exactly what coach Craig Fitzgibbon needed after consecutive losses to Penrith and Parramatta. Despite the absence of NSW halfback Nicho Hynes due to a calf injury, the Sharks' outside backs shone brightly. Sione Katoa, Kayal Iro, Jesse Ramien, and Ronaldo Mulitalo all ran over 150 meters, with Mulitalo also celebrating his 100th NRL appearance. With Hynes set to return, the Sharks will look to solidify their position in the top four before a Round 16 bye, followed by matches against the Bulldogs, Titans, and Wests Tigers.

The Dolphins, currently sitting fourth on the ladder, will be well-rested following their Round 13 bye. However, their recent form has been shaky with narrow losses to the Warriors and Raiders. This will be their first trip to Sydney this year, having previously left Queensland only twice. 

Coach Wayne Bennett remains confident in his squad's depth and the impact of players like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who had an outstanding State of Origin performance. With Felise Kaufusi set to start in the front row and Kodi Nikorima returning to the number six jersey and taking on the captain's role in Jesse Bromwich's absence, the Dolphins are geared up to challenge the high-flying Sharks in what should be a thrilling encounter.

Last meeting: Round 10 2023 - Sharks 16 Dolphins 36

Who to watch: Interchange prop Royce Hunt will be a key player to watch for the Sharks. In the game against the Broncos, Hunt came off the bench just before halftime and made a significant impact with his powerful runs and intense defence, forcing errors from the opposition. The Samoan international covered 78 meters and managed six tackle breaks in his 24 minutes on the field. His physical presence and ability to lift his team will be crucial as the Sharks face the Dolphins.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, fresh off a standout performance in State of Origin, is poised to be the Dolphins' game-changer against the Sharks. The Hammer aims to replicate his devastating form that saw him dismantle the NSW Blues. In his Dolphins jersey, Tabuai-Fidow has already scored eight tries in just seven games, averaging over 160 meters per game. His speed and attacking prowess make him a formidable threat.

The favourite: It's a match that's hard to predict, adding to the excitement. The Sharks are the current favourites with the bookies, given the home-ground advantage. However, Bennett's Dolphins, a team known for their unpredictability, aren't one to be taken lightly. This unpredictability adds a thrilling element to the match, making it a must-watch for all rugby league fans.

My tip: Given that they are coming off the bye and it's just the first time they've headed down to Sydney, you'd expect the Dolphins to be fresh and ready to go. I think the weather may greatly impact this game, and it's predicted to be chilly and potentially wet. If the rain eventuates, we've seen Cronulla get ‘up, up' in the wet at PointsBet Stadium before.  Cronulla by 8. 

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Royce Hunt 18. Daniel Atkinson

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Kenny Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Oryn Keeley

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Wyatt Raymond, Drew Oultram; Video Referees: Gerard Sutton;