Match Preview: Round 9 – Dolphins v Storm

The Dolphins return to Suncorp Stadium on Friday night for a blockbuster clash with the Storm, looking to bounce back in front of a home crowd.

It marks the Dolphins’ first home game at the venue since Round 2, where they claimed victory over the Titans and they’ll be chasing a similar result against a Storm side also desperate to respond after a loss on their home turf.

The Dolphins will also take confidence from their last meeting with the Storm, producing a stunning 42-22 victory in Round 7, 2025, a historic result that marked the club’s first-ever win over the team. After trailing early, the Dolphins stormed home with a dominant second-half performance, a blueprint they’ll be eager to replicate on Friday night.

For the Dolphins side, it’s a huge outing for utility Brad Schneider, who is set to make his 50th NRL appearance.

Team News

Dolphins

The Dolphins have been forced into another reshuffle, with Jake Averillo sidelined after suffering a hand injury against the Warriors.

Jack Bostock is set to make his return from an ACL injury, with Kristian Woolf confirming the outside back will line up in the centres.

Brad Schneider returns after missing last week through illness and will slot back into the five-eighth role, with Kodi Nikorima still unavailable through suspension.
Morgan Knowles also returns to the starting side at lock after recovering from a calf injury.

Storm 

The Storm will be without star halfback Jahrome Hughes due to concussion protocols, with Tyran Wishart named to take his place in the No.7 jersey.

Hugo Peel has also been named on the wing and is set to make his NRL debut.

Match-Up 

Battle of the Fullbacks

Friday night will showcase two of the competition’s most exciting fullbacks, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow going head-to-head with Storm speedster Sua Fa’alogo.

Tabuai-Fidow has been electric for the Dolphins this season, crossing for six tries in seven appearances while also adding four try assists, 32 tackle breaks and four line breaks, averaging 195 running metres per game.

Fa’alogo has been just as dangerous for the Storm, scoring 10 tries in eight appearances, alongside four try assists, 48 tackle breaks and 11 line breaks, averaging 197 running metres per game.

With both fullbacks capable of turning a game in a single moment, this match-up could prove decisive.