Dolphins v Titans: Kaufusi replaces Kenny; Brimson returns
The latest in a series of Queensland derby matches to start 2023 will see the Dolphins take on the Titans for the first time, with both sides reeling from heavy last-up defeats.
The Gold Coast experienced defeat for the first time since Round 4 when they were blown away in the final half hour by the ladder-leading Broncos last week, with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui's sin-binning on 61 minutes not helping their cause in a 43-26 loss.
Wayne Bennett's Dolphins meanwhile produced an excellent first half effort to lead the Rabbitohs, but had no answer in the second 40 minutes as they leaked 30 unanswered points in a 36-14 loss.
These two outfits employ different styles on the ball, with the Dolphins tending to dominate possession this year off the back of an average completion rate of 80 percent, compared to the Titans who complete at around 75 percent.
The two prior Queensland derby games at Suncorp Stadium this year have attracted crowds above 43,000, with this week marking the Dolphins' third trip to the venue in 2023 and the Titans' first.
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 8 -
home Team
Dolphins
5th Position
away Team
Titans
12th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Dolphins: No late changes for Wayne Bennett's men, with Felise Kaufusi back from suspension in place of Kenny Bromwich. Youngster Kurt Donoghoe retains his place on the bench with JJ Collins 18th man.
Titans: AJ Brimson is confirmed to make his return from a hamstring injury and will start at fullback. That means Jayden Campbell reverts to the bench after playing in the No.1 jersey for the past two games. Klese Haas is the man to make way and is now the replacement player. Thomas Mikaele will play his first game for the club after signing mid-season.
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 8 -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowFullback for Titans is number 21 AJ Brimson
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Euan AitkenCentre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
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Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Brenko LeeCentre for Titans is number 4 Phillip Sami
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Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Robert JenningsWinger for Titans is number 5 Jojo Fifita
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Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi NikorimaFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Kieran Foran
-
Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya KatoaHalfback for Titans is number 7 Tanah Boyd
Forwards
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Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
-
Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Titans is number 9 Chris Randall
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Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Herman Ese'eseProp for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
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2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Titans is number 11 David Fifita
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2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Joe Stimson
-
Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Tom GilbertLock for Titans is number 13 Isaac Liu
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Jarrod WallaceInterchange for Titans is number 1 Jayden Campbell
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark NichollsInterchange for Titans is number 14 Kruise Leeming
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Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray StoneInterchange for Titans is number 15 Erin Clark
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Kurt DonoghoeInterchange for Titans is number 16 Thomas Mikaele
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dolphins is number 18 JJ CollinsReplacement for Titans is number 17 Klese Haas
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dolphins have conceded 96 points in their past three games.
- The Titans have won two of their past three games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has won 11 of his past 12 games coaching against the Titans.
- Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored seven tries in his past five games.
- Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich has won 15 games from 17 against the Titans.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
