Dolphins v Penrith Panthers
NRL TEAMS - 2025 Round 7 (Easter)
3 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Dolphins, Panthers hopeful to kickstart season in Suncorp Showdown
Two 1-4 teams, the Penrith Panthers and the The Dolphins, are set to do battle in a match that could already dent the finals hopes of the losers not even a quarter of the way into the 2025 campaign.
The Panthers are in the midst of their worst start to an NRL campaign since 2002, a far cry from their reign of terror as the leagues back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back premiers. A Round 1 win over Cronulla is all they have to show for their first five matches, and losses to the Roosters and Cowboys, both of whom sit well outside the top 8, have raised questions as to where their ceiling is this season.
The Dolphins meanwhile picked up their first win over the weekend with a thumping 36-10 victory over the Titans. Their losses are less concerning than Penrith - three being teams in the top 8 - however dropping a fifth game from their opening six will still leave them with an uphill battle to claw their way back into finals contention, particularly in a competition as tight as what this season shapes up to be.
The Panthers are buoyed by the return of star fullback Dylan Edwards, who has missed the last three weeks with a groin strain. Edwards' importance to the Panthers can not be overstated, and the last three matches have proven that. Having their core of Edwards, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo healthy will always make the Panthers a side that can win matches.
It's not all sunshine and rainbows for the Panthers however, with five-eighth Jack Cole and hooker Mitch Kenny forced out of the side through injury. They're replaced by Blaize Talagi, who will line up in the position the Panthers signed him to play for the first time, and Luke Sommerton.
It's better news in the ins-and-outs department for the Dolphins, with captain Tom Gilbert returning from a one game suspension for a high tackle. It comes at the perfect time, given they just lost fellow back rower Ray Stone to a (you'll never believe this) one game suspension for a high tackle.
Last meeting: Round 20 2024 - Panthers 28 Dolphins 26
Who to watch: The rumour mill has been working overtime for the past week with speculation Isaiya Katoa is wanting a return to New South Wales. Putting aside his contract with the Dolphins until the end of 2028, a matchup with the Panthers is the perfect way for the Tongan international to show the value he can bring to clubs. Katoa has been relatively quiet during the Dolphins start to the season - a try and two try assists - but he continues to show himself as an aggressive number 7 who puts defences on the back foot and makes them uncomfortable rather than the other way around.
Despite certain columnists writing his style of play has been hurting the Panthers this season, it is undoubtedly clear the way they revive their season is through the form of Nathan Cleary. Cleary's had a rough start to the campaign - missing virtually all of Round 3 and 4 with a concussion - however he still has four try assists (tied for fourth in the league) and 5 linebreak involvements (tied with Braydon Trindall at the top of the pile). If Cleary continues his form, or even turns it up further, the Panthers will return to winning ways sooner rather than later.
The favourite: The Panthers are heavily favoured in this one, people overlooking their recent slide due to the return of Edwards
My tip: I think this will be closer than many think, although I still think Penrith are a class above. Panthers by 12
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr 18. Sean O'Sullivan
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Casey McLean 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 15. Isaiah Papali'i 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 10. Lindsay Smith 14. Brad Schneider 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Daine Laurie
Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Nick Pelgrave; Video Referees: Adam Gee;