Match Preview: Round 9 – Dolphins v Roosters

With the festivities kicking off on Friday, night one's primetime clash sees the Dolphins face off against the Roosters in a crucial showdown between two teams eager to improve their standings on the competition ladder.

Since their inaugural season, the Dolphins remain undefeated at Magic Round, with a thrilling victory over the Sharks in their debut season and a hard-fought win against the Tigers last year.

They will be looking to continue this trend and rebound after last week's match against the Raiders. When leading by 18 points at halftime, the Dolphins ultimately went on to lose by 12 points in the nation's capital.

Currently sitting in 12th and 13th place, respectively, both the Dolphins and the Roosters are engaged in a mid-table battle, with bookmakers predicting this matchup to be one of the closest contests of the round.

The Roosters come into Magic Round off a mixed set of results, with a significant win against the Broncos and a tough loss to the Panthers. But last week's 28-point thrashing of the Dragons will have the Chooks brimming with confidence on Friday night.

This match will also honour the legacy of Arthur Beetson, who contributed significantly to both clubs as a player and a coach. Beetson was part of the Dolphins' first BRL premiership victory in 1965 before going on to play 131 games for the Roosters, where he became the first Indigenous captain of any Australian sporting team.

As in the past three meetings between the Dolphins and Roosters, the player of the match will be awarded the Artie Legacy Medal.

With much at stake and a packed crowd expected, this clash is shaping up to be a must-watch to wrap up the opening night of Magic Round.

Team Changes

The Dolphins will be without forward Daniel Saifiti, who is ruled out after a dislocated shoulder last week's match. Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Donoghoe will also miss the match after being named earlier this week. Jeremy Marshall-King will make his return from injury, coming straight into the starting side, with Sean O'Sullivan providing extra depth off the interchange bench.

The Roosters have made no changes to their winning side from last week.

Clash of the week

Welcome to centre stage, Friday night footy at Magic Round, under the bright lights of Suncorp Stadium. With two strike players ready to make their mark: Jake Averillo and Billy Smith.

Averillo impressed last week with a try, a try assist, and a team-high 155 run metres. The Dolphins centre has been a real threat in the past few rounds, using his pace and footwork to spark attacking raids and break open the defence while running from the dummy half.

On the other side, Billy Smith continues to make the most of his recent selection, having averaged a try in each of his three games this season. When these two teams met in late 2023, Smith was named player of the match and earned the Artie Legacy Medal. He will be eager to replicate that success on the Magic Round stage.