Dolphins v Gold Coast Titans
Cowboys come up trumps in epic derby win over Broncos
5 hours ago | Andrew Ferguson
Dolphins v Titans preview
After both starting the season with a loss, only one side will go home with their first win in 2026.
Playing the Rabbitohs in the opening round, the Dolphins almost staged a comeback, but they didn't quite get there in the end, with a final score of 40-30.
The Dolphins make a few changes to their side, with the return of Max Plath and Ray Stone to the interchange bench.
This match marks Plath's first NRL game since suffering an ACL injury in Round 14 last year, and Stone's first of the season after having off-season shoulder surgery.
Trai Fuller drops to the extended bench, whilst Brent Woolf drops out of the side.
Unfortunately, it seems like the Titans premiership chances are already over, where they were defeated by the Sharks away from home in Round 1 50-10.
A try from Sam Verrills and NRL debutant Sialetili Faeamani at least gave the Titans their first points of the season.
Despite the loss, Josh Hannay keeps his confidence in the team and names an unchanged side for this Round 2 clash, with Sam Verrills named to play despite leaving Shark Park with a sternum injury.
The Titans haven't much luck against their QLD rivals, only winning one of the six times they have played each other since the Dolphins entered the comp.
Last meeting: Round 26 2025 - Dolphins 36 Titans 30
Who to watch: Named as co-captain of the side in 2026, Isaiya Katoa is a young but confident player who continues to dominate in the Dolphins side.
2025 saw Katoa score only two tries but make 23 try assists and eighteen offloads.
Paired with the experienced Kodi Nikorima in the halves Katoa is growing into a freakish young playmaker.
In recent times the Titans have struggled with their spine, and it has been at the expense of experienced player, AJ Brimson.
Brimson has been named as Gold Coast's current 5/8th and I think he has the skills to strike and could unlock a piece of the puzzle the Titans are sometimes missing.
2024 was a strong year for Brimmo, where he scored 12 tries, made 13 try assists and 13 linebreaks.
Favourite: The Dolphins are favoured to add their first win to the 2026 tally.
MY TIP: Both sides started the season on a low, one much lower than the other, but I think this will be an interesting match-up and could be a close one. Dolphins by 4.
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. Max Plath 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 9. Brad Schneider 15. Oryn Keeley 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Ray Stone 18. Trai Fuller 22. Brian Pouniu
1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Max Feagai 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Tukimihia Simpkins 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Luke Sommerton 21. Jenson Taumoepeau
Referees: Liam Kennedy; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Jarrod Cole; Video Referees: Chris Butler;