Dolphins v Dragons preview

Dolphins v St George Illawarra Dragons Friday 8:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Friday night NRL action heads to Suncorp Stadium as the Dolphins look to continue winning form after their bye as they take on the St George Illawarra Dragons who themselves are looking to continue their own winning form.

Coming into the contest sitting in tenth spot, the Dolphins have had a mixed sort of season as they sit in 10th spot on the ladder with five wins from their 12 games this season. The Dolphins have mixed their form throughout the year which saw a three-game winning streak between rounds 5, 6 & 7 with wins over the Titans, Panthers & Storm before mixing their form between wins and losses including their last start big win over the Bulldogs.

The last start performance from the Dolphins was one of their most impressive to date as they ran out 44-8 winners over the top of the table Bulldogs. Despite the Bulldogs missing a number of key players and the game being played in torrential rain, the Dolphins control of the ball was a big asset especially in that dominant second half effort running in 30 unanswered points.

The Dolphins welcome back Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow from Origin duty with Jake Averillo going back to the centre whilst Max Feagai moves back to the reserves. The hosts could also welcome back Jeremy Marshall-King and Max Plath from injury with the pair named in the reserves.

Sitting on the edge of the top 8, The Dragons haven't been convincing many people that they are a true finals contender in 2025. The Red ‘V' have had both their byes which push them up above the Dolphins on the ladder as both sides have five wins heading into the contest.

Last week, the St George Illawarra Dragons picked up an important victory with their impressive 20-6 win over the Newcastle Knights. Although picking up almost all their points in the first half, the defence was a strong asset for the Red ‘V' which has been an issue at the time. The win though for the Dragons was a boost after their win against the Broncos prior to the bye.

Victory last week wasn't all good for the Red ‘V' as Jaydn Su'a picked up an ankle injury. The change sees Luciano Leilua come into the starting side whilst with Raymond Faitala-Mariner coming onto the bench. The Dragons will also welcome back Christian Tuipulotu after his return was delayed a week.

Last meeting: Round 17 2024 - Dragons 26 Dolphins 6

Who to watch:  Having a quiet game in Origin, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has made it clear that he wants to come back into the Origin frame off the back of a win for the Dolphins. The Hammer at times has been quiet which has been a bit of an issue for the Dolphins. If the Hammer brings a 10/10 performance the Dragons will find it hard.

Dragons halfback Lykhan King-Togia is one of the most exciting young talents in the game and coming up against Isaiya Katoa. King-Togia since coming into the side has been an exciting talent and his performances will need to be important controlling the game especially in a side that has been inconsistent.

The favourite: Dolphins are favourites

My tip: It's hard to go past the Dolphins at home. Both sides are too hard to predict at the best of times but the Dolphins potentially getting a number of key players back should put them in good stead against a Dragons side that is inconsistent. The game is going to be a tight one but I think the Dolphins win in a close one.

Dolphins by 6

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 21. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 9. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr 22. Max Plath 14. Harrison Graham

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Nathan Lawson 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 16. Blake Lawrie 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Toby Couchman 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 8. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 18. Emre Guler

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Tyson Brough; Video Referees: Chris Butler;