Dolphins Aim for Suncorp Revival Against Potent Cowboys

Club boasts impressive recent scoring record at home venue

The Dolphins are set to return to Suncorp Stadium, a venue where they’ve showcased significant attacking prowess, having amassed 106 points across their last two matches. This includes dominant performances against the Dragons and Rabbitohs.

Dolphins Face Test Despite Home Form

Despite a recent slump ending a strong five-game scoring streak that yielded 228 points, the Dolphins’ aspirations for a maiden finals appearance remain intact. However, the visiting Cowboys present a formidable challenge, known for their capacity to rack up points when in rhythm.

Key Personnel Changes Ahead of Clash

The Dolphins have seen a reshuffle in their lineup. Sean O’Sullivan is out, promoting Jake Averillo to five-eighth. Last week’s debutant Tevita Naufahu now starts on the wing. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (thumb) and Mark Nicholls (concussion) are sidelined, with Connelly Lemuelu moving into the starting side and Harrison Graham and Peter Hola added to the bench.

For the Cowboys, Jordan McLean is unavailable due to calf and ankle issues, leading to Thomas Mikaele starting at prop. This opens a bench spot for emerging talent Kaiden Lahrs. Coach Todd Payten has also recalled winger Jaxson Paulo, shifting Robert Derby to reserves. Jake Clifford continues his recovery from a quad injury, while John Bateman‘s return from a groin complaint is delayed another week.

Suncorp Statistics Hint at High-Scoring Affair

Key statistics highlight the Dolphins’ scoring power at Suncorp, having posted 50-plus points in their last two home fixtures. Conversely, the Cowboys have a perfect record at the venue against the Dolphins, winning both encounters.

Individually, Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth has been in exceptional try-scoring form, crossing for 10 tries in his past 11 games. Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also boasts an impressive record at Suncorp, with 12 tries in his last six NRL appearances at the stadium. The Cowboys’ defence has been tested recently, conceding 200 points over their last six matches.

The match promises an entertaining spectacle, featuring the dynamic talents of fullbacks Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Scott Drinkwater, alongside playmakers Isaiya Katoa and Tom Dearden.

The Dolphins’ attacking threat at Suncorp Stadium is underscored by their recent scoring, with a league-leading average of 45.5 points per game at home in their last four matches at the venue in 2024. This compares favorably to the Cowboys’ season average of 24.1 points scored per game (source: NRL.com statistics).