Match Preview: Round 23 – Dolphins v Roosters
Finals footy is on the line this Saturday as the eighth-placed Dolphins return to Suncorp Stadium to face the ninth-placed Roosters in a clash that could define both teams' seasons.
Just two points separate them on the ladder and with the race to the top eight heating up, this Indigenous Round showdown carries huge stakes.
A win would give the Dolphins a crucial four-point buffer and a stronger grip on their first-ever finals berth and a loss could see them slip from eighth place.
The Roosters claimed the points in their Magic Round clash earlier this year, and the Dolphins will be out for revenge on home turf.
The match will honour one of rugby league's most influential figures, with the Arthur Beetson Legacy Medal awarded to the best on ground.
Team Changes
The Dolphins are without two key starters this week. Herbie Farnworth is sidelined with a hamstring injury, opening the door for Tevita Naufahu to make his third NRL appearance in the centres. Felise Kaufusi will also miss two games through suspension, with Mark Nicholls named in the starting pack and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki returning from injury on the bench.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson named the same 17 that defeated Manly in the last round. Victor Radley and Connor Watson move into the starting side, while Benaiah Ioelu and Spencer Leniu shift to the bench.
Clash of the week
The battle in the middle between Jeremy Marshall-King and Connor Watson shapes as one of Saturday’s most decisive contests.
Marshall-King has anchored the Dolphins' spine with slick service, tough defence and crafty runs around the ruck. His 94.1% tackle efficiency across 14 games this season has kept opponents honest and his ability to spot and exploit tired markers will be key to unlocking the Roosters’ defensive line.
Across the field, Watson offers a very different threat. With 96.3% tackle efficiency and 620 tackles in 15 games, he matches Marshall-King’s work rate, but adds an explosive edge in attack. His quick footwork and instinctive playmaking can turn a half-chance into points, keeping defenders on constant alert.
Their Round 9 meeting showed the contrast in styles. Watson crossed for a try, ran for 100 metres and made 23 tackles, while Marshall-King delivered 40 tackles and 43 running metres in a defensive-heavy role.
In a game where the momentum and middle-third dominance will be everything, this hooker duel could go a long way in deciding who walks away with the two points.
With finals contention on the line, this showdown is shaping up as the clash of the season.
