On the back of two stirring victories Wests Tigers find themselves inside the top eight and riding high under new coach Benji Marshall.
Displaying a resolve not seen at the joint venture for a decade, Marshall's men have rolled the Sharks and Eels in consecutive weeks to give their long-suffering fans genuine hope for a return to the finals.
After conceding 28 points per game in 2023 the Tigers have cut that to 18ppg in their three games this year and will need every bit of that defensive commitment to rein in the likes of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth and Jamayne Isaako.
The Dolphins have also enjoyed a fine start to the season and sit atop the NRL ladder after four rounds thanks to wins over the Dragons and Titans and two points collected for a bye in Round 3.
The addition of Tom Flegler, Jake Averillo and Farnworth has added some serious power and potency to the Dolphins, who have racked up 68 points across the past fortnight and have a range of attacking weapons to test the Tigers.
With games against the Broncos and Eels to come in the next two weeks, Wayne Bennett's men will look to build confidence and cohesion by halting the Tigers' momentum in front of a big home crowd at Suncorp Stadium.
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Team News
Dolphins: Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) didn't train on Monday, but is right to go for the match. Wayne Bennett has made one change to the starting line up, with Kenny Bromwich moved to lock and Ray Stone swapping to the bench. Oryn Keeley remains as the 18th player.
Wests Tigers: Highly rated youngster Latu Fainu will come off the bench for his debut, with Jayden Sullivan moving into the halves to fill Lachlan Galvin (suspension) at five-eighth. Alex Twal (concussion) returns to the bench. Brent Naden remains at the 18th player as the only update to the side before kick-off.
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Stat Attack
- The Dolphins have won only one of their past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Wests Tigers will be aiming for three consecutive wins for the first time since 2018.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored five tries in his past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Tigers have won only two of their past 11 games in Queensland.
- Dolphins prop Thomas Flegler will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Dolphins v Wests Tigers
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.