As mouth-watering contests go. it's up there when the second-placed One New Zealand Warriors take on the in-form third-ranked Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium today.
The Dolphins put a seven-game winning streak on the line while the Warriors are coming off victory over the Cowboys following two finals-like encounters with the Panthers and the Sharks.
The home side hasn't lost since being held out 20-18 by the Warriors on Anzac Day; the Warriors are 4-2 across the same period which has also included two byes.
There are fascinating positional battles all across the park, with Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa back from to go head-to-head with Warriors playmaker Te Maire Martin.
The duel between hookers Jeremy Marshall-King and Wayde Egan will go a long way to determining the outcome of this match, while fullbacks Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Taine Tuaupiki have the ability to break a game open in an instant.
Up front, Origin stars Max Plath and Tom Flegler return for the Dolphins in an intriguing battle between two high-powered packs.
While the Warriors will be without Jackson Ford due to a pectoral injury, co-captain Mitch Barnett is back to his best following an injury-interrupted start to the season and loose forward Erin Clark continues to elevate his game.
Match: Dolphins v Warriors
Round 17 -
home Team
Dolphins
4th Position
away Team
Warriors
2nd Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team news
Dolphins: The Dolphins welcome back star halfback Isaiya Katoa after a week out with a knee injury while their Maroons contingent of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Max Plath, Tom Flegler and Selwyn Cobbo are good to go after a freshen up. Tom Gilbert will miss the game with a minor throat injury he picked up against Wests Tigers. Felise Kaufusi and Brad Schneider move to the bench. Trai Fuller and Oryn Keeley made way when the squad was trimmed 24 hours before kick-off.
One New Zealand Warriors: With Jackson Ford (pectoral) sidelined, Tanner Stowers-Smith will start the game at prop. Maroons rep Kurt Capewell returns following a week off after Origin II so Marata Niukore reverts to the bench. Hooker Sam Healey (thumb) makes his return on the interchange. No changes in Friday's 24-hour update.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowFullback for Warriors is number 1 Taine Tuaupiki
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Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
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Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Jack BostockCentre for Warriors is number 3 Ali Leiataua
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Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
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Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Selwyn CobboWinger for Warriors is number 5 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
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Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi NikorimaFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita
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Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya KatoaHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Te Maire Martin
Forwards
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Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Thomas FleglerProp for Warriors is number 8 Tanner Stowers-Smith
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Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
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Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Francis MoloProp for Warriors is number 10 Mitchell Barnett
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2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jacob Laban
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2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Kurt Capewell
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Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Morgan KnowlesLock for Warriors is number 13 Erin Clark
Interchange
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Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Max PlathInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Sam Healey
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Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Kurt DonoghoeInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
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Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray StoneInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Demitric Vaimauga
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Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Felise KaufusiInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Marata Niukore
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Interchange for Dolphins is number 18 Bradley SchneiderInterchange for Warriors is number 18 Kayliss Fatialofa
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Interchange for Dolphins is number 20 Tevita NaufahuInterchange for Warriors is number 20 Luke Metcalf
Reserves
-
Reserve for Dolphins is number 21 Brian PouniuReserve for Warriors is number 21 Makaia Tafua
Dolphins Ins
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Isaiya Katoa
- Max Plath
- Selwyn Cobbo
- Thomas Flegler
Warriors Ins
- Kurt Capewell
- Sam Healey
Dolphins Outs
- John Fineanganofo
- Oryn Keeley
- Tom Gilbert
- Trai Fuller
Warriors Ins
- Jackson Ford
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat attack
- The Dolphins have scored 30 points or more in their last six games.
- The Warriors have won five from seven in Australia this season.
- Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth has scored eight tries in his last six games against the Warriors.
- Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will make his 100th appearance for the Warriors.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako requires three points for 1,500 career points.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Don't miss out on your chance to see two competition heavyweights collide at Suncorp Stadium. Tickets are selling fast so click here to secure your seats before they are gone.
