Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs
NRL TEAMS & OFFICIALS - 2026 Round 7
10 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Dolphins v Rabbitohs preview
The sum (Suncorp) of Wayne's past and present
The opening round of the 2026 NRL season comes to a close on Sunday afternoon with the Dolphins and South Sydney Rabbitohs facing off at Suncorp Stadium.
Meeting in the opening round of the season for the second year running, the two sides are intimately tied to Wayne Bennett, who oversaw the Dolphins' foundation seasons before returning to South Sydney for a second stint last year.
Entering their fourth season in the big league in pursuit of qualifying for the finals for the first time, the Dolphins will be banking on a host of returning stars to bolster their premiership aspirations.
Producing mixed form in the pre-season with a narrow loss to the Titans (24-12) and a late surge to defeat the Warriors (38-34) in a high-scoring encounter, coach Kristian Woolf will be looking to build on his side's prowess with the ball - finishing last season as the best attacking side - while stiffening the defensive resolve which saw the side concede close to 25 points per game last year.
Naming three club debutants in English import Morgan Knowles, playmaker Brad Schneider and representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo, the match will mark the long-awaited return of Tom Flegler after spending almost two years on the sidelines with a serious shoulder injury.
The Dolphins have lost their past two opening round matches, including a closely-fought 16-14 defeat to the Rabbitohs last season.
Hoping for better luck with injury after a wretched run last year, the South Sydney Rabbitohs will be looking to recapture their best after missing the finals for the past three seasons.
Gaining plenty of confidence with trial wins over the Dragons (28-24) and Sea Eagles (30-6) heading into the opening round, coach Bennett will be hoping his side can arrest a run of five straight losses at Suncorp Stadium, with the side last winning at the venue in Magic Round three years ago.
Marquee recruit David Fifita will make his first start for the club in the second-row with Bronson Garlick - son of club legend Sean Garlick - named at hooker, while a shortage of available halfbacks will see Ashton Ward line up in the number seven jersey after being granted an exemption due to being outside the top 30 and the development list.
The Rabbitohs hold a fair record in the opening round over the last decade, winning five from ten matches.
This is the fifth meeting between the two sides with the leger standing at two wins apiece, including one win apiece in contests held at Suncorp Stadium.
Last meeting: Round 17 2025 - Dolphins 50 Rabbitohs 28
Who to watch: Going from scoring a hat-trick in the opening game of last season to missing the Broncos' drought-breaking premiership win, Selwyn Cobbo will be determined to make the most of his opportunity in new colours. Signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins in a bid to prove he has what it takes to earn an elite-tier contract, the 23-year-old outside back is capable of brilliance at his best, earning representative honours with Queensland, Australia and the Indigenous All Stars in the process. Named to make his club debut on the wing, Cobbo will need to make an early impression in order to hold onto his jersey with Jack Bostock on the comeback trail from injury.
Missing all but one game last year with a ruptured Achilles, Cameron Murray will be looking to make up for lost time in the Rabbitohs' pack. Renowned for his work rate and leadership over many seasons, the 28-year-old forward will make his return in his favoured number 13 jersey after spending time on an edge at club and representative levels prior to injury. Lining up as part of one of the best forward packs in the league on paper, a strong performance from Murray should set the tone for a much-improved season for the men in cardinal and myrtle.
Favourite: The Dolphins will come into the match as slight favourites due to the home ground advantage.
MY TIP: With so many attacking threats and a wealth of experience to draw upon, the Rabbitohs will fancy their chances of getting the job done on the road. South Sydney by 10.
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 14. Brad Schneider 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 15. Oryn Keeley 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Trai Fuller 18. Sebastian Su'a 19. Brent Woolf 20. Lewis Symonds
1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Lachlan Hubner 17. Sean Keppie 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Moala Graham-Taufa
Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Damian Brady; Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;