Match Preview: Round 5 – Dolphins v Sea Eagles

Under the lights at Kayo Stadium, the Dolphins have a big opportunity to respond and lock in their third win of the season against the Sea Eagles.

Back on home turf in Redcliffe, the Dolphins have the opportunity to respond in front of their own fans against a side entering a new era under interim head coach Kieran Foran.

The last time these two sides met, the Sea Eagles ran away with a 58-30 win in Sydney, despite Kulikefu Finefeuiaki crossing in the opening minute. But Thursday night presents a different stage and a different opportunity. With a home crowd behind them, the Dolphins will be determined to flip the script.

There is also reason for confidence under the Thursday night lights. The Dolphins return to a venue where they will be desperate to make a statement and build momentum after last week’s setback.

With Kayo Stadium behind them and two valuable competition points on the line, the Dolphins have a big chance to defend home turf and reignite their early-season push.

Team News

Dolphins

Kurt Donoghoe is back in the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury, with the versatile forward named as 18th man. If called upon, his toughness and energy could provide a timely boost. Coach Kristian Woolf has backed the same starting side that faced the Broncos last week, while Trai Fuller has been named 19th man.

Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles arrive in Redcliffe with Kieran Foran chasing his first win as interim head coach. The team have been forced into a change out wide, with Jason Saab suspended and Clayton Faulalo brought in for his first taste of NRL action in 2026.

Match-Up

Fullback Battle: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow v Tom Trbojevic

Few match-ups carry more firepower than this one, with speed, instinct and game-breaking ability on both sides.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has picked up right where he left off in 2026. In four appearances, the electric fullback has scored three tries, produced two try assists, 16 tackle breaks and two line breaks, underlining just how dangerous he is every time he touches the ball.

After a brilliant 2025 season that delivered 22 tries and five try assists, Tabuai-Fidow has already shown again that he can turn half-chances into points in an instant.

Up against him is one of the game’s elite in Tom Trbojevic, who has opened 2026 with four tries and three try assists in just three appearances, along with 13 tackle breaks and two line breaks.

Trbojevic remains the Sea Eagles’ ultimate attacking spark. His ability to inject himself into contests with strength, vision and ball-playing class makes him one of the most dangerous fullbacks in the competition, and Dolphins fans will remember the damage he did the last time these sides met.

This shapes as a genuine game-breaker, with Tabuai-Fidow’s blistering speed and support play set against Trbojevic’s power, creativity and finishing touch. Whichever fullback wins this duel could go a long way to deciding the contest.

Centre Battle: Jake Averillo v Tolutau Koula

A clash of speed, footwork and attacking instinct, this one has points written all over it.

Jake Averillo has been electric to start 2026, scoring five tries in four appearances. With 12 tackle breaks, three line breaks and an impressive 199 running metres per game, he has quickly become one of the Dolphins’ most potent attacking weapons.

His 2025 campaign laid the platform, with 11 tries, nine try assists and 17 line breaks, while averaging 136 running metres, but his early 2026 form has taken things up another level.

On the other side, Tolutau Koula brings plenty of strike of his own. In three appearances this season, Koula has two tries, one try assist, 12 tackle breaks and four line breaks, while averaging 194 running metres per game.

Koula was outstanding in 2025, finishing with 17 tries in 22 games, plus six try assists and 18 line breaks, consistently threatening with his pace and agility on the edge.

This battle is all about explosiveness. Averillo’s creativity and support play go head-to-head with Koula’s raw speed and finishing ability. If either finds space, they will not need a second invitation.