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Dolphins v Newcastle Knights Saturday 5:30pm at HBF Park, Perth / Whadjuk

Staying west as Dolphins look to continue ruthless form

As the NRL prepares to welcome the Perth Bears in 2027, the game continues to grow in Western Australia as the Dolphins take on the Newcastle Knights from HBF Park.

The Dolphins have been the success story of the season so far. After an 0-4 start, many were questioning the succession plan and mentions of the so-called ‘Bennett curse' continued to linger around the club. However, that has been turned on it's head with an incredible display of attacking footy over the past three weeks. In their last 202 minutes of football, the Dolphins have scored 152 points and conceded just TEN!

There's not really much they have to improve upon, but Newcastle are going to look to shift the ball early and isolate their small halves. The Knights have been doing that of late with Kai Pearce-Paul on the smaller halves with moderate success. Their attack has been ruthless with Isaiya Katoa quickly emerging as one of the game's most talented young halves while Herbie Farnworth is on a try-scoring run of eight consecutive games. Despite their attacking woes, the Knights' defence has been hard to break down so the Dolphins will need to be on from the outset.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will back up from Origin at fullback. Jake Averillo goes to the centres while Max Feagai is shifted to the reserves. Felise Kaufusi is suspended which brings Mark Nicholls into the run-on team while Harrison Graham is on the bench.

For the Knights, after signs of renewal against Manly, they came down with a thud against the Roosters last time out. That can be excused because when you put Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe back into this team, the Novocastrians are an easy 10-12 points better off. It wasn't without a lack of trying with several attacking shapes catching the Roosters out, but their on-goal attack was a touch disappointing. 

To beat the Dolphins they will need to execute at every opportunity. If they aren't fluid with the ball then it is going to be a long night full of defending and with the attacking weapons at the disposal of their opponents, it has the potential to be a disaster. They need to mark up early and install fear into the likes of Katoa, Kodi Nikorima and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as well as keep the ever reliable Farnworth at bay. 

Onto team news, Kalyn Ponga backs up from Origin shifting Fletcher Sharpe to five-eighth and punting Jackson Hastings to NSW Cup. Dominic Young gets the call up on his return to the Knights replacing James Schiller, while Bradman Best returns at centre (hamstring) in place of Fletcher Hunt. Tyson Frizell returns from concussion protocols up front so Brodie Jones goes to the bench.

Last meeting: Round 2 2025 - Knights 26 Dolphins 12

Who to watch: The focus is squarely on Kodi Nikorima. Arriving at the Dolphins, it appeared that his career was cross-roads after failed stints in New Zealand and South Sydney. Since his signing in 2023, the New Zealand international has starred this season having 12 try-assists in 13 games and four forced dropouts. The 5/8 has been the perfect foil for Katoa as he nurtures into the NRL and will need to continue at his best for the Phins' to keep their finals chances alive. 

For the Knights, he's back! Dominic Young returns to the Knights after one and a half mixed seasons at the Roosters. This season has exposed some of the deficiencies in Young's game with his sidewards running from yardage and questionable defensive decisions causing the Roosters to act. However, in his last game for the Roosters, there were signs he was on the improve with direct running and some solid defensive decisions. If this form keeps up, the Knights will be laughing their way to the bank.

Favourite: After their attacking rampage over the past three weeks, the Dolphins are clear favourites but they are yet to win in WA across their first two seasons in the competition. 

My tip: The Dolphins are too strong at the moment and should win handily with the crafty nature of Katoa and Nikorima doing enough to get them over the line, but it does scream trap game. Given the nature of this season, who knows how this one will shape up with the stars out to perform in front of rugby league's newest legion of fans across the country. Dolphins by 16.

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 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone 17. Josh Kerr 18. Sean O'Sullivan 19. Max Feagai 20. Aublix Tawha 21. Trai Fuller 22. Peter Hola

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Mathew Croker 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Brodie Jones 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. James Schiller 19. Jackson Hastings 20. Fletcher Hunt 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Jack Hetherington

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Matt Noyen, Drew Oultram; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;