Match Preview: Round 14 – Dolphins v Cowboys

Fresh off the bye, the Dolphins have named a strong squad as they head north to Townsville to take on the Cowboys in a XXXX Derby.

The Dolphins will be looking to continue their strong run of form and chase a fifth straight win, while also adding to their impressive history against the Cowboys in Townsville.

The last time the two sides met was in Round 20, 2025, when the Dolphins claimed a 43-24 win at Suncorp Stadium. Their most recent trip to Townsville came in Round 15 last year, where the Dolphins produced a dominant 58-4 victory, a match remembered for Jack Bostock becoming the first Dolphins player to score four tries in a single game.

The Dolphins have won all three matches they have played against the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and will be hoping history falls in their favour once again.

However, the Cowboys will be determined to turn that record around, having scored 106 points across their last three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Team News

Dolphins

The Dolphins welcome back their Origin representatives after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Plath and Thomas Flegler missed the clash against the Raiders while in Origin camp.

Herbie Farnworth and Kodi Nikorima also return to the side after missing the Raiders clash through injury, giving the Dolphins a major boost across the park.

Cowboys

For the Cowboys, Reuben Cotter returns after being rested following Origin duties, while Soni Luke has also been named in the side.

Match-Up 

Isaiya Katoa v Jake Clifford

A key battle in Saturday’s clash will be between the two halfbacks, with Isaiya Katoa and Jake Clifford set to play important roles in guiding their sides around the park.

Clifford has made 13 appearances for the Cowboys this season, scoring five tries and producing 10 try assists, along with nine line break assists. Defensively, he has also been strong, making 209 tackles at an efficiency of 90.9 per cent, while averaging 81 running metres per game.

Across his career, Clifford brings plenty of experience with 102 NRL appearances to his name.

While Clifford's statistics have been impressive, the Cowboys playmaker has only recently shifted into the halfback role following an injury to regular No.7 Tom Dearden. Traditionally a five-eighth, Clifford has stepped into the chief playmaking role and helped guide the Cowboys through a strong period of form.

On the other side, Katoa has spent the season directing the Dolphins around the park as the club's primary organiser. Despite being just 22 years old, the captain has continued to mature as a game manager, taking control of the Dolphins' attack and establishing himself as one of the competition's premier young halfbacks.

For the Dolphins, captain and halfback Isaiya Katoa continues to show his influence in attack and defence. In 11 appearances this season, Katoa has produced 10 try assists and 11 line break assists, proving key to the Dolphins’ attacking momentum.

While he is yet to cross for a try this season, his control, creativity and ability to bring others into the game have been crucial. Katoa has also taken on a heavy defensive workload, making 260 tackles so far this season, while averaging 78 running metres per game.

While both players have created plenty of opportunities for their teammates, their ability to control territory through their kicking games could prove just as important on Saturday night.

Katoa has continued to develop into one of the competition's premier young playmakers, taking on the responsibility of steering the Dolphins around the field and creating opportunities on both edges of the ruck.

Clifford brings experience and composure to the Cowboys' attack, with his long-kicking game helping build pressure and position his side in attacking areas.

With both halfbacks capable of taking control, their battle through the middle will be one to watch.