Match Preview: Round 3 – Dolphins v Sharks

The Dolphins head to Sydney full of confidence as they chase back-to-back wins when they take on the Sharks at Ocean Protect Stadium on Saturday.

After fighting back to secure their first win of the season against the Titans last week, the Dolphins will be looking to build momentum against a Sharks side eager to respond on home soil. The two teams last met in Round 19 of the 2025 season, when the Sharks claimed a 24-12 win after pulling away with two late tries in the final 10 minutes.

There is also an individual milestone in sight for Dolphins winger Selwyn Cobbo, who needs just one more try to bring up 50 NRL career tries.

The Sharks opened their 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a 50-10 win over the Titans at Ocean Protect Stadium, but were brought back to earth last week in a 26-6 loss to the Panthers. The Sharks return home this round hoping familiar conditions can help them rediscover their attacking rhythm.

For the Dolphins, belief will be firm after their gritty comeback victory over the Titans. After trailing for much of the contest, the Dolphins found another gear in the second half, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow helping spark the turnaround in an 18-14 win.

Both sides head into Round 3 with one win from their opening two matches, setting the stage for an important early-season contest. The Dolphins carry momentum into the clash, while the Sharks will look to use home-ground advantage to steady their season. It may come down to which side can handle the big moments better, win the middle, and stay composed under pressure.

Round 3 also coincides with Multicultural Round, celebrating the many cultures that continue to shape and strengthen rugby league across the game.

Team News

Dolphins

Coach Kristian Woolf has named the same 17-man squad for the clash, with Sebastian Su’a coming onto the interchange and Trai Fuller again listed among the extended squad. Max Plath has been named to start at hooker, while Brad Schneider is set to provide utility value from the bench in jersey No.14.

Sharks

The Sharks has also stuck with the same starting side that faced Penrith last week. Braydon Trindall will celebrate his 100th NRL game for Cronulla, while Teig Wilton and Mawene Hiroti have been named on the extended bench as they push to return from injury.

Match-Up

The key match-up in Round 3 sees two dynamic playmakers go head-to-head, with Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes facing Dolphins co-captain Isaiya Katoa.

Hynes made a statement to open the 2026 season, crossing for two tries in a dominant performance on home soil, and will again look to control the game at Ocean Protect Stadium.

Both players were influential for their sides in 2025, highlighting just how important this battle will be. Hynes was among the competition’s elite, finishing with 228 points - the second-most in the NRL; from eight tries and 98 goals. He also contributed 2,417 running metres, made 628 tackles and maintained a 79.67% goal-kicking accuracy.

Katoa, meanwhile, continued his rise as one of the game’s most promising young halves, recording 2,608 running metres, 538 tackles and two tries across the season, showcasing his growing influence on both sides of the ball.

Up against Hynes, Katoa’s composure and control will be key for the Dolphins as he looks to guide his side around the park.

With both halfbacks central to their team’s attack, this contest could prove decisive; whoever wins the battle in the halves may well control the game.