Dolphins v Raiders preview

Embed from Getty Images

Dolphins v Canberra Raiders Sunday 2:00pm at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe / Kabi Kabi

Dolphins fight for their lives as Raiders sit back and tan

The Dolphins are potentially playing for their finals future against a Canberra Raiders side, who are using their trip to Redcliffe's Kayo Stadium to allow their NRL stars to work on their suntan and let their next generation prosper.

Let's kick-off this preview by stipulating the obvious here. The Dolphins finals hopes rest largely on the Roosters performance against South Sydney. If results go their way, then they are in the same position as last year, where if they win by a big margin, they are in, lose and they're resigned to a September enjoying beers instead of finals footy. But if they get to that point, then their collapse at the end of the season is to blame due to their poor defensive attitude to end the year.

To beat the Raiders. Their biggest challenge is complacency. At times this season, the Dolphins have been one of the more explosive teams to watch in rugby league. But at other times, their defensive resilience has resembled a QLD Cup outfit and it's something that'll cost them dearly. As mentioned, the attacking capabilities of Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are amongst the best in our competition while Kurt Dongohoe has added an extra dimension to their play.

Onto team news. Herbie Farnworth is a sneaky chance of returning with the English international named in the reserves. Connelly Lemuelu won't play after a heavy collision last week with Kulikefu Finefuiaki an easy replacement. 

With the minor premiership tucked away, it's a time to celebrate and reflect on how far the Canberra Raiders have come in season 2025. With most in the game predicting this side to fall down the bottom of the ladder, they have exceeded everyone's best expectations. Players like Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange have burst out of their shells and been significant role players. Elsewhere, an unheralded backline together with the best forward pack in rugby league have combined brilliantly.

To beat the Dolphins, they need to unleash an old fashioned ambush. Adam Cook and Ethan Sanders have been in great form throughout the NSW Cup while the trio of debutants we will mention shortly have been immense all season long in the lower grades. The Raiders NSW Cup side have gone on a strong winning run and have the advantage of their combinations on the edges that can get them over the line.

So those rested are Weekes, Stuart, Strange, Sasagi, Fogarty, Young, Papali'i, Hosking, Starling and Tapine. Chevy Stewart is at fullback, Adam Cook and Ethan Sanders in the halves and Matty Nicholson in the back row. Winger Michael Asomua and bench players Manaia Waitere and Joe Roddy will make their NRL debuts in a side captained by Corey Horsburgh.

Last meeting: Round 8 2025 - Raiders 40 Dolphins 28

Who to watch: Ever since Trai Fuller returned to this side, he has added something to this Dolphins outfit. His elusiveness in and around the ruck has been a significant point of awareness for the hosts. The ability to turn a game like that, is something he has that few players in our game have and Fuller is one of those.

For the Raiders, the focus is on Adam Cook. The 2024 NSW Cup Player of the Year has been largely left to his own devices this season. He has led the Raiders to an unlikely finals birth (from where they were) and again led the NSW Cup in try assists for the Green Machine. His leadership will be key for the Raiders if they are to cause a boilover.

Favourite: Given the difference in playing squads, the Dolphins are the favourites and are 1-1 against the Raiders in matches played in Redcliffe. 

My tip: There will be too much for the Dolphins to gain if the Roosters lose. It will be tighter than many think and that is due to the paper-thin Dolphins defence they have shown at times this season. Ricky will have these guys up for this game and they have the potential to cause a major upset, but the Dolphins will be spurred on to make a statement to end the season. Dolphins by 6.

1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Aublix Tawha 15. Ray Stone 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr 20. James Walsh

1. Chevy Stewart 2. Savelio Tamale 16. Manaia Waitere 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Michael Asomua 6. Adam Cook 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie 10. Ata Mariota 11. Noah Martin 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Trey Mooney 17. Joseph Roddy 19. Vena Patuki-Case

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;