Raiders v Dolphins preview

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Canberra Raiders v Dolphins Sunday 2:00pm at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

Tremendous Trifectas set stage for Sunday Afternoon Football in Nations Capital

Three straight wins for both the Canberra Raiders and The Dolphins ready's us for a mouthwatering affair 2pm on the last Sunday in April.

The latter more so, disposing of both 2024 Grand Finalists with ease in back-to-back weeks. Although their defence was the catalyst to their fortune, The Dolphins attack has been electrifying opposing teams with 108 points scored in this month alone. And to think they have done this with limited stability in the hooking role enduring multiple injuries to Jeremy Marshall-King and Max Plath continuing a revolving door of dummy halves entering and exiting the side.

The major talking point has been that of now 50-game rising star Isaiya Katoa. He's composure in a dire point early within the Dolphins season has been commended not only by his peers but opponents and media alike.

The supporting cast surrounding the young halfback has been tradesman like in their approach, pulling on a jersey that everyone in the Redcliffe based squad is beginning to believe in.

That belief will be tested as it faces a well-oiled Green Machine that is getting back to the footy that saw them contest in the 2019 Grand Final.

The Raiders schedule hasn't been as treacherous, peeling off wins against the bottom of the table Eels, a dysfunctional Gold Coast Titans, but the last and most impressive on the siren against a valiant Cronulla Sharks.

With Ricky Stuart down on the sideline week in week out constantly barking orders, he too is instilling faith in his young players whilst letting the confidence continue to rise throughout the veins of the experienced veterans.

Joseph Tapine may have the captaincy next to his name on the team sheet, but whether it's through his actions or his mere presence on the field Hudson Young carries his team into battle with his hardnosed defence and his hectic hole running.

The same 17 players lineup to start for the Raiders this weekend as they did against the Titans. Morgan Smithies named at lock and Josh Papalii on the bench (expect this to change 1-hour before kick-off) Reserves are listed as follows: Sasagi, Stuart, Saulo, Mooney & Levi.

As for the Dolphins, Felise Kaufusi is out with a strained medial ligament in his knee. This sees Francis Molo strive for a starting jumper in his Dolphins debut. Mark Nicholls lines up at lock as Max Plath has been named despite a foot complaint. Bench remains the same from their impactful presence last week. Reserves are listed as follows: Bromwich, O'Sullivan, Keeley, T. Naufahu, J. Tupou.

Last meeting: Round 13 2024 - Dolphins 25 Raiders 26

Who to watch: The obvious one to point out is the battle of the halves, Jamal Fogarty and Isaiya Katoa both at different stages of their career yet showing equal amounts of poise and patience that have led both their teams on a 3-game win streak. Both halves are the only players in the competition to boast more than 3,800 kick metres this season so we can expect kicking early and kicking often by both number 7's.

The battle of both captains will set the tone, but I'm looking forward to the battle of the 14's in Owen Pattie and Kurt Donoghoe. The Raiders lead the league in dummy half runs and run metres from the acting half position, so it will be intriguing to see how Ricky Stuart utilises and maximises the minutes given to Pattie and likewise Donoghue from his coach Kristen Woolf.

Favourite: The Raiders are the hometown favourites, winning the last two starts against the Dolphins by a point each. This will be the first time the Dolphins head to GIO Stadium and the nation's capital. Canberra have also won 5 of their last 6 contests on home turf.

My tip: I think this ends the run for the Dolphins. They may have been the most impressive team over the last 3 weeks, but I think although the history is short between these two franchises, the Raiders have more experience in the close contest and that will see them victors in this one. Raiders by 1.

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Zac Hosking 16. Josh Papali'i 17. Ata Mariota 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Jed Stuart 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Danny Levi

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. Max Plath 10. Francis Molo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Mark Nicholls 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Ray Stone 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. Sean O'Sullivan 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Junior Tupou

Referees: Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials: Dave Munro, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Adam Gee;