Roosters v Dolphins preview

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Sydney Roosters v Dolphins Friday 8:05pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

The Jekyl and Hyde Roosters meet up with fellow inconsistent side The Dolphins for the second Friday game of Magic Weekend. 

Looking at the Roosters first, they come off an ANZAC Day thumping of the Dragons where they couldn't do much wrong with the ball. 

Sandon Smith tallied 22 points in the win and it might be the making of the young half with the looming shadow of Sam Walker coming back into the side. 

But the big question - what Roosters will show up? The fantastic attacking side which ripped the Dragons to shreds? Or the fumbling, bumbling side that can't get out of their own way. 

If we get the former, James Tedesco will be key for them. The fullback has been in tremendous form and will be pushing for Origin selection. The rest of their backline isn't too bad either with Daniel Tupou and Mark Nawaqanitawase also in form. 

Their forward pack also is starting to gear up into form and if they match it with the Dolphins it will go a long way.

Now for the Dolphins, they are consistently inconsistent this season. Their first half was fabulous against the Raiders then they fell in a heap again. 

The win against the Storm might have been a turning point but now it might feature as a blip on the radar if they can't start stringing wins together. 

This game could end up being a shootout. The Dolphins backline features the Hammer, Herbie Farmworth and Jamayne Isaako who can score from anywhere. 

I think it the big question for the Dolphins is the forwards. Can they match it with the Roosters after losing Daniel Saifiti last week. 

Because if they can, then this game will be a barnburner which sets up Magic Weekend or the Roosters will taste success again at Suncorp. 

Last meeting: Round 22 2024 - Dolphins 34 Roosters 40

Who to watch: Can Sandon Smith back up his afternoon out? That is a big question for the young half as the Roosters look to string wins together. If he can control the game well again and give room to Mark Nawaqanitawase and James Tedesco to run then it'll be fine. 

Another player who stood out last week, Blake Steep. He scored a long range four-pointer and was a bright light in what is a strong pack for the tri-colours. He gives them consistent effort each week which allows their stars to shine. 

I'm sure this guy features in this section most weeks but Isaiya Katoa has been in good form for the Dolphins in the last month. The highly touted half has started to find his groove and if he turns on a full 80 minute performance, the fins will be up Friday. 

Felise Kaufusi aka Phin Deisel returns this week straight to the starting side and will be looking to put in a fast and furious shift on Friday. He is the veteran in the Dolphins pack and he should give them a lift against another good forward pack. 

Favourite: The Roosters have the narrow backing of the bookies.

My tip: By virtue of winning last week, I'll go with the Roosters despite their recent win/loss/win/loss pattern. Roosters by 2.

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Egan Butcher 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 13. Mark Nicholls 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 15. Ray Stone 14. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Harrison Graham 22. Max Feagai

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, David Munro; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;