Match Preview: Round 7 – Dolphins v Panthers
The Top End sets the stage, and the Dolphins are ready to make it count.
Returning from the bye with fresh legs and a point to prove, the Dolphins head to Darwin looking to turn it into a fortress, this time as their own home ground, against the ladder-leading Panthers this Friday night.
It marks the beginning of a three-year stint in the Northern Territory, with the Dolphins embracing their new home-away-from-home thanks to a partnership with Tourism and Events Northern Territory . And they won’t just be showing up they’ll be looking to put on a show.
Off the back of a Round 5 loss to the Sea Eagles, this clash shapes as a crucial opportunity to reset and reassert themselves in the competition.
Standing in their way is a Panthers outfit sitting at 5-1, also eager to respond after their first loss of the season. But history offers confidence the last time these two sides met in Round 6, 2025, it was the Dolphins who delivered a commanding 30-12 victory.
A 44-16 win over the Eels marked the Dolphins’ last trip to Darwin.
Now, with a new crowd behind them, the Dolphins will be out to ignite Darwin and build a connection that lasts well beyond Friday night.
Team News
Dolphins
Head Coach Kristian Woolf has backed his side, naming the same starting lineup that faced the Sea Eagles in Round 5.
Kurt Donoghoe will miss the clash as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, with Oryn Keeley named as 18th man.
Panthers
The Panthers will be without Casey McLean due to suspension, with Izack Tago returning to the centres.
Liam Martin is sidelined with a knee injury, opening the door for Luke Garner to start, while Kalani Going joins the bench.
Match-Up
Wing Battle
All eyes turn to the edges where points could flow fast.
Jamayne Isaako lines up against a red-hot Panthers right edge, headlined by Thomas Jenkins. Jenkins has been electric in 2026, crossing for 14 tries in just six appearances, including multiple tries in every game this season.
The last time these two teams met in 2025, Jenkins was playing in the centres.
On Friday night, Jenkins goes head-to-head with Dolphins left edge Selwyn Cobbo, he will have a lot to watch out for having his hands full containing the Panthers’ strike power.
On the other side, Isaako brings his own firepower. Just three points shy of 800 for the club, the 2025 leading point scorer will be looking to rise to the moment especially in what shapes as his final season in Dolphins colours.
Head-to-head against Brian To’o, Isaako’s aerial ability and finishing could prove crucial, particularly under the high ball.
Jenkins has proven he can break a game open when it matters most, already racking up 11 line breaks this season. Isaako has three to his name in 2026, but his finishing ability means he never needs many chances to make it count.
With strike weapons on both edges, expect this contest to be decided out wide.
