Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 21 clash between the Dolphins and Titans.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
The Dolphins v Gold Coast Titans
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Date: Sunday, 28 July, 4:05pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Jake Averillo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jack Bostock, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Max Plath, 10. Tevita Pangai Junior, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Connelly Lemuelu, 13. Kenny Bromwich, 14. Josh Kerr, 15. Mark Nicholls, 16. Ray Stone, 17. Trai Fuller, 18. Sean O’Sullivan, 19. Tesi Niu, 20. Anthony Milford, 21. Mason Teague, 22. Oryn Keeley
Players cut from final squad:
Titans: 1. Keano Kini, 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Phillip Sami, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Jayden Campbell, 7. Kieran Foran, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Erin Clark, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Chris Randall, 14. Isaac Liu, 15. Klese Haas, 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. Josiah Pahulu, 18. Tony Francis, 19. Joe Stimson, 20. Tanah Boyd, 21. Jacob Alick-Wiencke, 22. Jaylan De Groot
Players cut from final squad:
Referee: Todd Smith
Bunker: Ashley Klein
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
A glorious Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium awaits for the fourth edition of the aptly named Sunshine Showdown between the Dolphins and the Gold Coast Titans, a match that so far has only shone for the Dolphins, who have won all three clashes so far.
This clash at Suncorp Stadium last season was a memorable one, as it saw the Dolphins equal the record for a come-from-behind win, triumphing despite being 26 points down. The NRL’s newest side have subsequently won the next two games and hold a 3-0 H2H lead. Cronulla are the only other NRL side yet to beat the Dolphins.
The Dolphins come into the match after a heart-breaking Golden Point loss to the premiers in Penrith, a result that didn’t please the head coach, who hates the concept no matter the result. Despite the loss, it was one of the Dolphins’ best games this season, holding a 14-point lead at one stage and completing an impressive 92% of their sets. The difference was the halfbacks on the day: Isaiya Katoa had a chance of a field goal and chose against, while Penrith’s Nathan Cleary nailed the two-point field goal at the first attempt in his comeback match. The Dolphins’ form may read just two wins in their past seven, but four of those five losses were by six points or less, including against Penrith and Melbourne. Only against the Dragons in the second half have the Dolphins been below par.
The Gold Coast Titans also lost last weekend against Manly, which halted a great three-game run, which included a 60-point win over the Warriors and an away win over top four team Cronulla.
Unsurprisingly, after one of their best games last weekend, the Dolphins have named an unchanged line up for this match, with Trai Fuller remaining on the bench as the utility; and you can imagine he will get more game time than the eight minutes he got last weekend. In good news for Fuller fans, it was announced by the club that he has been given a Top 30 contract for 2025 and 2026, a fully deserved reward for perseverance and what he has shown when given the chance this season.
Similarly in team news the Gold Coast Titans have named an unchanged line up, with AJ Brimson not yet ready to return. The unchanged teams is good news for power forwards, with David Fifita up against Tevita Pangai Junior, two large brutes that initially played together for the Broncos a few years ago. Pangai has been a tremendous signing for the Dolphins, who have lacked a little bit of what Pangai has brought, especially the offloads which has brought another dimension in attack that they have lacked at times.
Another fascinating battle is in the halves, with both teams serving up a blend of young and exciting with an experienced set of hands. The blossoming partnership of Isaiya Katoa-Kodi Nikorima has been a key to the Dolphins’ attacking success this season, with Katoa mostly playing well beyond his age and experience in the NRL. The Titans halves have been less stable this season, but the pairing of Jayden Campbell and Kieran Foran combined for two of the three games of that recent winning streak, and Campbell in particular has been great for the Gold Coast when he’s available.
Although the Dolphins have a 3-0 H2H lead over the Titans, there’s a couple of stats still on the Titans’ side. For example, the Gold Coast have won three games in a row at Suncorp Stadium on a Sunday, and six of their last eight there on a Sunday, and four of five games Vs Queensland sides on a Sunday at Suncorp Stadium. Their only loss is to the Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have lost their last three games on a Sunday and their record at home Vs Queensland teams is W1 L3.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Dolphins by 6 points.
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