Dolphins v Broncos: TPJ, Fuller to start; Haas a huge in
Top-eight hopes will be on the line when the Dolphins and Broncos face off in the fourth instalment of the Brisbane derby.
The two teams are locked on 26 points, two points behind the eighth-placed Dragons, in a four-team hunt for the final place in the NRL post-season.
The Broncos currently hold the advantage courtesy of their superior for and against, and sit in ninth ahead of the Dolphins, Knights and Raiders. All four teams sit on 26 points.
Given the tight nature of the competition, the outcome of Saturday's derby will effectively end the loser's season.
Sportsbet Betting Preview: Dolphins v Broncos
Brisbane have steadied the ship in recent weeks to keep their play-off hopes alive, claiming a commanding 30-24 win over the Eels last Friday.
The Dolphins have endured a worrying form slump over the past few months, winning just three of their last 12 games.
The second half of the slump has coincided with the absence of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King who has missed the past seven matches with a foot injury.
The Dolphins are hopeful he will return this weekend in what would be a major boost to their finals chances.
As for the Broncos, all eyes will be on Payne Haas as he looks to return from a Lisfranc injury.
Match: Dolphins v Broncos
Round 26 -
home Team
Dolphins
8th Position
away Team
Broncos
12th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Dolphins: Tevita Pangai junior (hamstring) will start in the frontrow, Trai Fuller takes over the fullback role and Lachlan Hubner moves to lock in late changes by Wayne Bennett. Kiwis hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (foot) will make his return from the bench. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow moves to the centres, while Isaiya Katoa is goes to the bench with Kenny Bromwich. Jake Averillo partners Sean O'Sullivan in the halves. Kodi Nikorima and Jesse Bromwich will sit out the match due to concussion protocols, as will Josh Kerr, who received a head knock at training.
Broncos: Coach Kevin Walters confirmed on Friday that representative prop Payne Haas will start the game in his return from a foot injury as the Broncos launch a late finals charge. Xavier Willison moves to the interchange. Centre Deine Mariner is a late scratching for the match after battling flu, with Josiah Karapani to come from the bench to start. Ben Te Kura is named for his first NRL game since Round 5 after Kobe Hetherington was ruled out due to concussion protocols.
Match: Dolphins v Broncos
Round 26 -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dolphins is number 20 Trai FullerFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tristan Sailor
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Broncos is number 2 Selwyn Cobbo
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Broncos is number 16 Josiah Karapani
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack BostockWinger for Broncos is number 5 Jesse Arthars
-
Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 3 Jake AverilloFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Josh Rogers
-
Halfback for Dolphins is number 6 Sean O'SullivanHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Mark NichollsProp for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
-
Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max PlathHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
-
Prop for Dolphins is number 19 Tevita Pangai JuniorProp for Broncos is number 22 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Brendan Piakura
-
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Dolphins is number 18 Lachlan HubnerLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya KatoaInterchange for Broncos is number 10 Xavier Willison
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 8 Kenneath BromwichInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Blake Mozer
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 13 Ray StoneInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Benjamin Te Kura
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 22 Jeremy Marshall-KingInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dolphins is number 15 Oryn KeeleyReplacement for Broncos is number 20 Corey Oates
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dolphins have conceded 150 points in their past four games.
- Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored six tries in his past six games.
- The Dolphins have won only four from nine at Suncorp Stadium this season.
- Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo has scored six tries in three games against the Dolphins.
- Dolphins centre Jake Averillo will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
