Match Preview: Round 25 – Sea Eagles v Dolphins
The Dolphins head to Brookvale on Saturday for one of their most important games of the season. Ninth meets tenth in a clash that could shape the finals race, with just two points separating the sides on the ladder.
The Dolphins have never won at Brookvale since joining the NRL, but with finals hopes on the line and key forwards returning, they’ll be out to change that record.
This week also doubles as Telstra Footy Country Round, celebrating rugby league’s grassroots and celebrating the next generation of footy legends.
Team Changes
The Dolphins get a major boost with enforcers Felise Kaufusi and Frank Molo back on deck. Molo returns from suspension, while Kaufusi slots straight in after his two-week ban, once again captaining alongside Isaiya Katoa.
Max Feagai returns to the centres, with Trai Fuller shifting to the bench.
The Sea Eagles, meanwhile, are forced into changes. Reuben Garrick is sidelined with a shoulder issue, opening the door for Tommy Talau to start, while Aaron Schoupp joins the bench.
Jake Trbojevic remains out following HIA protocols and Michael Chee Kam is listed as the 18th man.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Tom TrbojevicFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
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Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason SaabWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
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Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Tolutau KoulaCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Max Feagai
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Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Tommy TalauCentre for Dolphins is number 14 Trai Fuller
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Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Lehi HopoateWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Tevita Naufahu
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Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Luke BrooksFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
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Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-EvansHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
Forwards
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Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Matthew LodgeProp for Dolphins is number 8 Francis Molo
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Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Jake SimpkinHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
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Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Siosiua TaukeiahoProp for Dolphins is number 10 Felise Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Corey Waddell2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
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2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Ben Trbojevic2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Oryn Keeley
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Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jazz TevagaLock for Dolphins is number 13 Kurt Donoghoe
Interchange
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Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Aaron SchouppInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Connelly Lemuelu
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Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Caleb NavaleInterchange for Dolphins is number 16 Mark Nicholls
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Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Ethan BullemorInterchange for Dolphins is number 17 Josh Kerr
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Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Toafofoa SipleyInterchange for Dolphins is number 18 Ray Stone
Reserves
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Replacement for Sea Eagles is number 20 Joey WalshReplacement for Dolphins is number 19 Aublix Tawha
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Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 21 Simione LaiafiReserve for Dolphins is number 21 LJ Nonu
Sea Eagles Ins
- Joey Walsh
- Simione Laiafi
Dolphins Ins
- Felise Kaufusi
- Francis Molo
- LJ Nonu
- Max Feagai
Sea Eagles Outs
- Reuben Garrick
Dolphins Ins
- James Walsh
- Kodi Nikorima
- Peter Hola
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Clash of the Week
It’s a battle of the halfbacks, young gun versus veteran, captain versus captain.
All eyes will be on Dolphins co-captain Isaiya Katoa, the 21-year-old halfback who has emerged as one of the competition’s most exciting young playmakers. Katoa’s combination of vision, sharp footwork and a fearless running game has been central to the Dolphins’ attack in 2025. His 20 try assists and 19 line-break assists show just how often he puts teammates into space, while his calm game management continues to grow each week.
Lining up opposite him is Daly Cherry-Evans, playing his 350th career game. The Sea Eagles skipper is the ultimate organiser, steering his side with pinpoint kicking, cool composure and the ability to punish defensive lapses. With 13 try assists and 10 line-break assists this season, Cherry-Evans still has the creativity to spark his team’s attack when it matters most.
With the finals race heating up, this duel could go a long way in deciding which team comes out on top at Brookvale.
The Run Home
With just two rounds after this, the ladder pressure is mounting. The Dolphins sit ninth on 26 points, two behind the eighth-placed Roosters. If the Roosters falter against the Eels and the Dolphins can claim victory at Brookvale, a return to the top eight is on the cards.
For Manly, victory would bring them level with the Dolphins on 26 points, but the Dolphins’ points differential would keep them ahead on the ladder.
Following this week, the Dolphins return home to Suncorp Stadium for a clash with the Titans (17th), before finishing the regular season at Kayo Stadium against the ladder-leading Raiders.
It’s a must-win game for the Dolphins to find their way back into the top eight.
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 26 -
home Team
Dolphins
9th Position
away Team
Titans
17th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Next week brings the Dolphins’ final home game at Suncorp Stadium, a clash with the Titans that also doubles as Thank You Members Round, a chance to celebrate the fans who have carried the team all season.
Tickets for next week’s Titans clash at Suncorp are still available. Don’t miss it!
