Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 5 clash between the Dolphins and Wests Tigers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Dolphins Vs Wests Tigers
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Date: Saturday 6 April, 6:35pm (Qld Time)
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. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Thomas Flegler, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Ray Stone, 14. Josh Kerr, 15. Kurt Donoghoe, 16. Mark Nicholls, 17. Kenny Bromwich, 18. Oryn Keeley, 19. Sean O’Sullivan, 20. Jarrod Wallace, 21. Tesi Niu, 22. Mason Teague
Wests Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula, 2.Charlie Staines, 3. Solomona Faataape, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Junior Tupou, 6. Jayden Sullivan, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. John Bateman, 13. Fonua Pole, 14. Latu Fainu, 15. Alex Seyfarth, 16. Alex Twal, 17. Samuela Fainu, 18. Brent Naden, 19. Asu Kepaoa, 20. Justin Matamua, 21. Solomon Alaimalo, 22. Jake Simpkin
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
Some may have questioned your rugby league credentials if you had predicted that the Dolphins would be top of the table and Wests Tigers in the top six at any stage, including this early in the season.
But here we are in the week of April Fool’s Day. Both teams enter this round 5 clash with real momentum off the back of two straight wins each and the luxury of two free points from the bye.
The Wests Tigers in particular have a real buzz about them under Benji Marshall. Which makes it an interesting clash between the NRL’s most and least experienced coaches.
The Dolphins too have a feel-good factor heading into Saturday’s clash, sitting on top of the table plus their off-season recruits are really starting to have a significant impact.
Each side has a key player out for the match. The home side are without lock Max Plath who was suspended for two weeks for a hip drop tackle in their win over the Titans last weekend. He is replaced in the starting side by the man he replaced after round one – the unshakable hard man Ray Stone.
This in turn has promoted Kenny Bromwich from 18th man to the final bench spot. But with the lively Jarrod Wallace named on an extended bench, it wouldn’t surprise if he finds his way into the 17. No changes in the backline, and why would they after two convincing wins and scoring 30 points or more.
Wests Tigers will be without one of their stars of the last two weekends in Lachlan Galvin, who is also suspended for two weeks for a hip drop tackle. His place is taken by Jayden Sullivan, who many would have predicted to be the default five eighth for the Tigers in 2024. He gets his chance now in a side playing well.
Also getting a chance is Latu Fainu, named on the bench playing in the number 14, will make his NRL debut if he remains in the team. He was recruited from Manly where he was a star in junior grades and has played for NSW Under 19’s and Tonga.
In popular workhorse news, Alex Twal also comes in on the bench.
With the only head-to-head between these sides going to the Tigers in 2023, it’s interesting to take a look at some other stats.
The Dolphins’ record at Suncorp Stadium is won 4, lost 5 but are won 2 lost 1 at the same ground on a Saturday. Wests Tigers’ record at Suncorp Stadium is a respectable 10 wins and 12 losses.
Neither team is strong on a Saturday.
The Dolphins are 1 win from 5 versus Sydney opposition on a Saturday. Wests Tigers have lost their last four away on a Saturday and scored zero points in two of those games.
The Wests Tigers’ last game in Queensland on a Saturday ended in a 74-0 loss to North Queensland.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Round 5 Number Crunch.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Dolphins by 6 points.
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