Dolphins v Titans: Finals dream still alive; Brimson remains sidelined
The Dolphins may have dropped a spot on the ladder after a golden point loss to Penrith but their stocks rose considerably as they pushed the premiers to the limit.
With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at his dynamic best and their forwards aiming up big time, Wayne Bennett's men came within an ace of a massive upset in enemy territory.
Leading by 14 points with 25 minutes to play the Dolphins were run down late and forced into golden point where Nathan Cleary took charge but they will have taken plenty of positives out of the performance and remain very much in the race for a maiden finals appearance.
The Titans, meanwhile, were outgunned by Manly at Brookvale and look to be out of finals contention sitting six points outside the top eight.
The return of AJ Brimson from ongoing groin issues would be a bonus but the Titans will need to get their defence right if they are to contain the Dolphins' attacking weapons.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Dolphins v Titans
Team News
Dolphins: Utility Sean O'Sullivan is a late inclusion in jersey No.18, replacing Trai Fuller who goes to 18th man. The side is otherwise unchanged from the one that went to the Panthers in golden point last Sunday.
Titans: Keenan Palasia starts the game and Erin Clark goes to the bench in a game day swap. Des Hasler sticks with the same 17 that went down to the Sea Eagles in Round 20 with AJ Brimson remaining on the sideline as he continues to rehab a groin injury. Tanah Boyd is 18th man.
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 21 -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowFullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake AverilloCentre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Titans is number 4 Phillip Sami
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack BostockWinger for Titans is number 5 Jojo Fifita
-
Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi NikorimaFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Jayden Campbell
-
Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya KatoaHalfback for Titans is number 7 Kieran Foran
Forwards
-
Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
-
Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max PlathHooker for Titans is number 9 Sam Verrills
-
Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Tevita Pangai JuniorProp for Titans is number 16 Keenan Palasia
-
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Titans is number 11 David Fifita
-
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
-
Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath BromwichLock for Titans is number 13 Chris Randall
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Josh KerrInterchange for Titans is number 10 Erin Clark
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark NichollsInterchange for Titans is number 14 Isaac Liu
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray StoneInterchange for Titans is number 15 Klese Haas
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 18 Sean O'SullivanInterchange for Titans is number 17 Josiah Pahulu
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dolphins is number 17 Trai FullerReplacement for Titans is number 20 Tanah Boyd
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dolphins have won three from three against the Titans.
- The Titans have won three of their past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has won his last six games head-to-head with Des Hasler.
- Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored seven tries in his past four games.
- The Dolphins have conceded 26 points or more in their past six games.
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 21 -
home Team
Dolphins
8th Position
away Team
Titans
14th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
