Match Preview: Round 16 – Dolphins v Knights
Following Queensland's win in State of Origin game two, the NRL is staying in Perth this weekend when the Dolphins host the Knights at HBF Park on Saturday at 5:30 pm.
The Dolphins have won their last three fixtures, with a combined 158 points in those matches; Kristian Woolf's side has shown how good they can be and will no doubt be looking to continue that form on the weekend. When asked about his side's recent performances, Woolf was quick to acknowledge the energy amongst the playing group but dispelled any delusions of grandeur.
"They're enjoying their footy at the moment; you can certainly see that.
"We have just got ourselves into the top eight; we have had to work really hard to make sure we have done that after a slow start.
"But more concerning for us at the moment is making sure we continue in the right direction".
Woolf also recognised the firepower returning for the Knights with the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best suiting up on Saturday and the attacking pressure they can provide.
In an exciting development for the Dolphins, Isaiya Katoa will take on the role of captain in Felise Kaufusi's absence. Katoa is one of the youngest players to lead an NRL team, adding another impressive achievement to the young half's growing list.
Team Changes
The Dolphins will be without enforcer Felise Kaufusi, who has been sidelined under a two-game suspension for a dangerous contact charge. In Kaufusi's absence, Mark Nicholls will shift from the bench to start in the front row. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will return to the side at fullback following State of Origin game two. Harrison Graham returns to the side in the number 14 jersey for his fourth appearance this season. Isaiya Katoa to captain the side.
Dom Young will make his first appearance for the Knights after a mid-season transfer from the Roosters. Kalyn Ponga will return from Queensland State of Origin duties in an improved backline for the Knights, which will also see Fletcher Sharpe's return at five-eighth and Bradman Best at centre. Tyson Frizell's return will see Brodie Jones move to the bench.
Clash of the week
The week's key match-up is with the locks. Kurt Donoghoe and Phoenix Crossland are two hard-tackling, fast-ball-playing utilities each team will look to for decisive ball movement through the middle of the park.
Donoghoe has made a name for himself off the back of a tough playstyle, with hard running and even hard hits. After returning to the field in the same game following a rather grotesque nose break earlier this season, Donoghoe further cemented this trademark toughness. Donoghoe has been vital to the Dolphins this season, having only missed two games and working his way into the starting lineup following injuries. Covering multiple positions successfully, his week-to-week selection has become a given.
Lining up for the Knights, Crossland shares traits similar to those of his opposition counterpart, including locking down his defensive duties. Crossland has averaged 37 tackles per game across 14 appearances so far this season while sitting seventh in total tackles made. However, it's not just a question of quantity for Crossland but also one of quality, with a 94.6% tackle efficiency. Crossland's defensive work will be key to stopping the Dolphins' attack on Saturday.
