Dolphins v Warriors: Johnson drops out; Nikorima, TPJ on track
The stakes are high as two teams sitting outside the top eight chase two crucial competition points on Sunday afternoon.
The Dolphins fell outside the eight for the first time since Round 1 with a 34-40 loss to the Roosters last weekend and they are desperate to snap a concerning run of five losses from their last six games.
Coach Wayne Bennett has been in this position before and is sure to have his team primed for Sunday's clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium. While their attack has been on song, the coach will have spent the week focused tightening up their defence.
The Warriors currently sit 13th on the ladder, five points behind eighth-placed St George Illawarra and need a win over the Dolphins to keep their finals hopes alive.
They welcomed back veteran halfback Shaun Johnson for last week's loss to the Eels and they hope the playmaker will hit his stride in his second match back from an Achilles injury.
The Warriors prevailed 24-20 when the two sides faced off earlier in the year and they will need to replicate that performance to get a win at Suncorp Stadium.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Dolphins v Warriors
Team News
Dolphins: Forward Tevita Pangai jnr (calf) and playmaker Kodi Nikorima (illness) have been named to return after missing the Roosters clash and winger Jamayne Isaako will also play despite rolling his ankle last week. No late changes an hour from kick-off, with Lachlan Hubner retained as 18th player.
Warriors: Just days after announcing his retirement from rugby league at the end of the season, Shaun Johnson has dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off. Te Maire Martin will start at halfback in his place. Demitric Sifakula is on the interchange for his fourth NRL outing and his first since being used against Brisbane in Napier last May. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has shifted to the centres with Moala Graham-Taufa dropping out and Ed Kosi coming back in on the wing. Taine Tuaupiki is 18th man.
Match: Dolphins v Warriors
Round 23 -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowFullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake AverilloCentre for Warriors is number 3 Ali Leiataua
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Warriors is number 4 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack BostockWinger for Warriors is number 5 Edward Kosi
-
Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi NikorimaFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita
-
Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya KatoaHalfback for Warriors is number 18 Te Maire Martin
Forwards
-
Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
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Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max PlathHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
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Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Tevita Pangai JuniorProp for Warriors is number 10 Mitchell Barnett
-
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Marata Niukore
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2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Kurt Capewell
-
Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath BromwichLock for Warriors is number 13 Dylan Walker
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Oryn KeeleyInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Freddy Lussick
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark NichollsInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Tom Ale
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray StoneInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Jazz Tevaga
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Sean O'SullivanInterchange for Warriors is number 20 Demitric Sifakula
Reserves
-
Replacement for Warriors is number 21 Taine Tuaupiki
-
Reserve for Dolphins is number 18 Lachlan Hubner
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dolphins have conceded at least 21 points in nine consecutive games.
- The Warriors have won two of their three games against the Dolphins.
- Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored 12 tries in 11 games this season.
- The Warriors have lost five of their past six games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored four tries in three games against the Warriors.
Match: Dolphins v Warriors
Round 23 -
home Team
Dolphins
8th Position
away Team
Warriors
13th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
