NRL 2023, Dolphins, North Queensland Cowboys, round 26 preview, official team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Fri 25 Aug 2023, 07:00 PM

The Dolphins have won just one of their past 10 matches but continue to dig deep in the face of a hefty injury toll as their debut season nears its completion.

Five of those defeats have been by 10 points or less and there has plenty to admire about their efforts against Wests Tigers and Newcastle in recent weeks, both games going right down to the wire before slipping out of the Dolphins' grasp.

The Cowboys remain in the hunt for a trop-eight spot despite a three-game losing streak dropping them from seventh to ninth and knocking their points differential down from +57 to +12.

Unless the Cowboys can put some steel back in their defence they risk sliding out of finals contention with a danger game against the Dolphins followed by a daunting trip to Sydney to confront the Panthers in Round 27.

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Team News

Dolphins: No further changes on game day after captain Jesse Bromwich (groin) and centre Robert Jennings (knee) were ruled out on Thursday. Euan Aitken has been promoted to start in the centres after initially being named on the bench, while Jarrod Wallace replaces Bromwich in the front row. Playmaker Isaiya Katoa joins the interchange, along with JJ Collins. There are a few key returns for the Dolphins too, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (head knock) back at fullback. Connelly Lemuelu and Kenny Bromwich both return as well.

Cowboys: The Cowboys will line up 1-17 with no late changes. Heilum Luki comes into the starting side with Jeremiah Nanai sidelined by a shoulder injury. The new man on the bench is Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. In the backline, Zac Laybutt comes into the centres, Murray Taulagi pushes to the wing and Semi Valemei is out with a knee injury.

Round 26 - Round 26 - Friday 25 Aug

Full Time

Dolphins

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako

Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Tesi Niu

Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Zac Laybutt
Centre for Dolphins is number 16 Euan Aitken

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan

Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Mark Nicholls

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Harrison Graham

Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
Prop for Dolphins is number 14 Jarrod Wallace

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason Taumalolo
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Luciano Leilua
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Heilum Luki
Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath Bromwich

Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter

Interchange

Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Josh Kerr

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Herman Ese'ese

Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Coen Hess
Interchange for Dolphins is number 18 JJ Collins

Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Griffin Neame
Interchange for Dolphins is number 19 Isaiya Katoa

Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Reserves

Replacement for Dolphins is number 22 Kurt Donoghoe

Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:53 PM

Stat Attack

Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako requires five points to break the record for most points scored for a new club in its first season. The record is held by Joel Caine, who scored 224 points in the Wests Tigers' first season in 2000.
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has produced 24 try assists this season, second only to Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson with 25. Drinkwater's career try assist tally stands at 79 in 92 games.
The Dolphins have won three from five against Queensland-based opponents.
The Dolphins have won only one of their past 10 games.
Cowboys pair Peta Hiku and Jordan McLean will play their 200th NRL games.
Jamayne Isaako scored 20 points against the Cowboys in Round 6.