Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 26 clash between the Dolphins and Cowboys.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
The Dolphins Vs North Queensland Cowboys
Venue: Suncorp Stadiums
Date: Friday August 25, 20:00
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Tesi Niu 4. Robert Jennings 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harrison Graham 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Josh Kerr 16. Euan Aitken 17. Herman Ese’ese 18. JJ Collins 19. Isaiya Katoa 20. Valynce Te Whare 21. Anthony Milford 22. Kurt Donoghoe
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Heilum Luki 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Coen Hess 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 19. Brendan Elliot 20. James Tamou 21. Robert Derby 22. Jack Gosiewski
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
There are likely a few changes ahead for the Dolphins as Jesse Bromwich and Robert Jennings are both set to miss this clash with injury. Euan Aitken should slot into the centres after being named on the bench, while the side also receives a big boost with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returning at fullback. Connelly Lemuelu and Kenny Bromwich are also back.
Jeremiah Nanai is out for the Cowboys with a shoulder injury, with Hellum Luki taking his place in the starting side and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki the new man on the bench. Semi Valemei is also sidelined with a knee injury, and Murray Taulagi will push to the wing while Zac Laybutt comes into the centres.
This is a clear must win game for the Cowboys. They have dropped their last three matches and now sit in ninth position on equal points with the Rabbitohs above and the Roosters below. With next week’s regular season finale against the Panthers in Penrith, the Cowboys need to get back on the winner’s list as they seek their second straight finals appearance.
After a promising start to the season, The Dolphins’ have won just one of their past 10 matches as a heavy injury list has taken its toll. Their season may be over but the ability to play spoiler should give them plenty of motivation.
After conceding 84 points in their last three matches, it starts with defence for the Cowboys. The Dolphins will likely play this game with plenty of freedom and the return of Tabuai-Fidow adds plenty of firepower to their attack.
The finals start now for the Cowboys and despite the edition of the Dolphins’ star fullback, North Queensland should be too strong.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Dolphins 1, Cowboys 0
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Cowboys by 6 points.
Follow Nothing But Rugby League on Facebook
