Dolphins v Cowboys: Stone called up; Feldt wins wing battle
Two sides that missed the finals in 2023 will look to make the ideal start to the new season when they meet at Suncorp Stadium.
A year ago the Dolphins launched their inaugural NRL campaign with a stunning upset of the Roosters at this very ground and Wayne Bennett is sure to have his men primed for a similar performance.
The Dolphins went on to post four wins and four losses at Suncorp and need to make it more of a fortress in 2024 if they are to force their way into the finals.
The Cowboys have featured in some of the finest games of the past decade at Suncorp and will feel right at home in the Cauldron as they set about rediscovering the form that carried them to a preliminary final in 2022 before last year's disappointing 11th placed finish.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Dolphins v Cowboys
Team News
Dolphins: No late changes, with veteran forward Jarrod Wallace retained as 18th man. Ray Stone gets first shot at making the No.13 jersey his following the loss of Tom Gilbert (knee) for the season. Halfback Sean O'Sullivan is good to go after failing a HIA during the Pre-Season Challenge. Euan Aitken and new recruit Jake Averillo are the major omissions from the squad to open the season.
Cowboys: The team will take the field as named on Tuesday, with Jason Taumalolo starting at prop and Sam McIntyre on the bench. Veteran Kyle Feldt gets the nod on the right wing alongside Zac Laybutt, who takes over from the departed Peta Hiku. Off-season pickup Tom Mikaele is the 18th man.
Match: Dolphins v Cowboys
Round 1 -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Tesi NiuCentre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
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Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Zac Laybutt
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack BostockWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
-
Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi NikorimaFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
-
Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Sean O'SullivanHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
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Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
-
Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
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Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Thomas FleglerProp for Cowboys is number 10 Jason Taumalolo
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2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki
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2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
-
Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Ray StoneLock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Josh KerrInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Max PlathInterchange for Cowboys is number 15 Griffin Neame
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Kenneath BromwichInterchange for Cowboys is number 16 Sam McIntyre
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Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Mark NichollsInterchange for Cowboys is number 17 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dolphins is number 18 Jarrod WallaceReplacement for Cowboys is number 19 Thomas Mikaele
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dolphins won three of their six derby games against Queensland opposition last season.
- The Cowboys have won four of their past five games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako scored seven tries in eight games at Suncorp Stadium in 2023.
- Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored nine tries in his past 12 NRL games.
- Dolphins forward Mark Nicholls will play his 150th game in the NRL.
Match: Dolphins v Cowboys
Round 1 -
home Team
Dolphins
17th Position
away Team
Cowboys
1st Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
