Dolphins v Cowboys preview

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Dolphins v North Queensland Cowboys Thursday 7:50pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Two teams on the cusp fighting to stay in the race.

In focus ahead of Thursday's round opener is the Dolphins' incredible recent record at their Suncorp Stadium home. Heaping 50+ points on both the Dragons (R14) and Rabbitohs (R17) over the past months has catapulted Kristian Woolf's outfit into finals calculations, but the tight and tense nature of the middle of the table means they sit 10th, two points adrift of a chunk of teams straddling either side of the eight.

In an added boon for the competiton's newest team, Queensland fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns at the back, his presence sorely missed in last Friday's lost against Cronulla in the Shire. This allows Jake Averillo return to his favoured spot on the wing, There is some negative news though - former Cowboys forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will miss the clash with his ex-teammates after sustaining a broken thumb. That brings Lemuelu into the back row and another former Cowboy in Peter Hola onto the bench.

Ah.... the Cowboys.

They have truly been the enigma of the competition. Todd Payten's side somehow recorded wins over Canberra and Penrith, and a draw in their return fixture with Penrith this year - but it's been a bit of a dry run since. Their only wins since Easter have come against the Titans (twice) and Tigers (once), and in between some of those losses have had the fans and media asking questions about Payten's future. In a three-week period in June they copped 38 (Melbourne), 58 (Dolphins) and 42 (Sydney) - a seriously leaky defensive line setting off alarm bells in Townsville.

To their credit though, that Titans win seemed to have shored things up a touch. In the fortnight since, they held the Storm firm and lost 20-26, before a low-scoring duel against the Bulldogs which was lost 8-12. Payten will be looking for more of the same desperate defending heading into Thursday night's contest under Suncorp's bright lights.

The visitors will be without Jordan McLean (calf) which brings Mikaele in at prop and Lahrs in on the bench. Robert Derby, struggling for form lately, has been pushed to the reserves. That gives Jaxson Paulo a fresh shot in the Cowboys' backline.

The last meeting between these sides could be revealing - or it could be a complete abherration - five weeks ago the Phins beat the Cowboys up to the tune of 58-4 in Townsville.

Last meeting: Round 15 2025 - Cowboys 4 Dolphins 58

Who to watch: While both teams boast high-quality fullbacks, it's the makeshift names in the number six jerseys who will have an impact on the outcome.

Sean O'Sullivan has only made four appearances for the Dolphins this year - two at five-eighth and two off the interchange - and they've lost all four. While that doesn't necessarily speak to the Phins' struggle in those particular games, he'll need to offer a bit more alongside current LU Player of the Year leader Isiaya Katoa in the halves if the Phins are to make their maiden finals appearance.

On the flip side, Jaxon Purdue made the move from the centres to the halves mid-season. It's a bold move from Payten and so far in six games at #6, they've won just one. The Cowboys' halves have been unstable all season, with Queensland star Tom Dearden playing both sides of the scrumbase at various times through the season. Jake Clifford, Tom Duffy, and Purdue all partnering him along the way. If they can gel and get some consistency, could Purdue-Dearden be the pairing to deliver the Cowboys an unlikely finals berth?

Favourite: The Phins at home and based on the last result have solid support.

My tip: While the Cowboys have offered plenty against two good teams in recent weeks, I can't see them overcoming a points-happy Dolphins side who welcome the Hammer back in jumper #1. Dolphins by 18.

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 18. Tevita Naufahu 5. Jake Averillo 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Ray Stone 16. Josh Kerr 17. Peter Hola 19. Kenny Bromwich 21. Trai Fuller

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Braidon Burns 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O'Donnell 17. Coen Hess 19. Robert Derby 21. Marly Bitungane

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Jarrod Cole, David Munro; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;