Check out the match preview and prediction for the round one clash between the Dolphins and Cowboys.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Dolphins Vs North Queensland Cowboys
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Date: Sunday March 10, 4:05pm (local)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Tesi Niu 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Max Plath 16. Kenny Bromwich 17. Mark Nicholls 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Jake Averillo 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Euan Aitken 22. Isaiya Katoa
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Jack Gosiewski 22. Jake Clifford
Referee: Chris Butler
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The first Queensland derby of the year kicks off on Sunday when The Dolphins host the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. On an afternoon in the rugby league crazy state of Queensland, you can expect a huge crowd, atmosphere, and plenty of passion.
The Dolphins, now in their second-ever season of NRL, will be looking to build on what should be considered a fairly successful debut year in 2023. Largely tipped to come last, they surprised plenty when they ambushed the Sydney Roosters in the season opener last year. Though they didn’t have the experience and depth across the squad to sustain success throughout the year, they come into 2024 with a few extra stars in their side. Most notably, Thomas Flegler and Herbie Farnworth make their respective debuts for the side. Arguably two of the Brisbane Broncos’ best in their run to the 2023 Grand Final, these men will make a huge difference to their sides’ fortunes.
For the Cowboys, this season represents one of redemption. Only one game away from the Grand Final in 2022, their 2023 would be a season to forget, with them missing the eight altogether. Their side is battle-hardened and largely the same group that has played together for some time; stars such as Scott Drinkwater, Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden, Reece Robson and Jason Taumalolo will be the key to their fortunes.
Expect veteran coach Wayne Bennett to draw from last year’s round one ambush for this one. Most have the Cowboys at short odds to win, which is what he thrives off. The key battle will be in the middle, with the relentless Flegler matching up against the enduring Taumalolo. Last year, they won a game a piece, with the Cowboys conceding defeat at home to The Dolphins, before exacting revenge against them at Suncorp Stadium. There are fairly even match ups right across the park, which makes this an enticing encounter. The Cowboys should get up in a close one.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Round 1 Number Crunch.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Cowboys by 8.
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