Match Preview: Round 5 – Dolphins v Titans
In Round 5, the Dolphins will remain in South East Queensland as they travel down the Pacific Motorway for a derby match against the Titans. This match is crucial for the Dolphins as they are desperately seeking their first win of the season.
The game will take place at CBUS Super Stadium, a venue where the Dolphins have never lost. However, they will be without their Captain, Tom Gilbert, who has been ruled out for one match after being charged with a grade-two careless high tackle and choosing to take an early guilty plea.
In his absence, reigning Dolphins Player of the Year Max Plath will move back to the lock position, while Felise Kaufusi will lead the team on Saturday.
Veteran forward Kenny Bromwich addressed the team's need to improve their completion rate and defence after recent errors in the media this week.
"The effort is always there. If we can clean up a couple of those things, that will help us secure a win.
This is when teams come together; you stick with it, work hard as a group, and you get rewarded," said an optimistic Bromwich when reflecting on the team's recent struggles.
The Titans come into the match as the favourites, riding the momentum of two consecutive victories. A flurry of tries in the final 20 minutes of last week's game showcased the Titans' attacking prowess, particularly from their young halves.
The combination of AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell has proven effective, with Brimson scoring a double and Campbell leading the team with 177 meters gained in their last fixture.
This XXXX Derby will provide fans with an exciting insight into the future of the game's halves talent, as both teams will rely on their young playmakers to lead them to victory.
Team Changes
In the absence of Dolphins' captain Tom Gilbert, back-rower Connelly Lemuelu has been named to make his return to the starting side, having been ruled out since sustaining an injury in the Dolphins' opening match of the season.
Lemuelu's return is the only change from last week's side but it will force a reshuffling of the back row, with Max Plath named to start at lock.
The Titans will be without both hooker Sam Verrills and interchange forward Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui due to injury. This will see Chris Randall move from the bench to the starting hooker role, while Jaimin Jolliffe returns from injury to the bench.
Sean Mullany will also make his NRL debut from the bench.
Clash of the week
This week's key matchup centres on Max Plath and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, two locks with distinct playstyles.
Max Plath has quickly become a key player for the Dolphins after being signed from the Hostplus Cup just two seasons ago. Despite his smaller stature, Plath is a composed ballplayer with a high work rate. He compensates for his size with formidable defence. His ability to impact games, both defensively and in attack, has proven invaluable to the Dolphins in his brief NRL career so far.
On the opposing side, Titans' captain, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, a towering presence who plays the game with aggression, setting the tone with his physicality. Always looking to break or bend the defensive line, Fa'asuamaleaui aims to gain meters with powerful carries, creating opportunities for his playmakers.
Neither Plath nor Fa'asuamaleaui will shy away from the challenge. This matchup could play a significant role in determining who dominates the middle of the field and, ultimately, the scoreboard.
