Match Preview: Round 17 – Dolphins v Warriors
Third hosts second in one of the biggest clashes of the season as the Dolphins return home to Suncorp Stadium looking to extend their winning streak to eight.
Separated by just one place on the ladder, both sides enter Saturday afternoon’s contest full of confidence after impressive victories last week, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown.
The Dolphins will also be looking to avenge their narrow 20-18 defeat to the Warriors earlier this season, with another crucial two competition points on the line in the race for the top four.
Herbie Farnworth has enjoyed facing the Warriors since joining the Dolphins, crossing for a try in every meeting between the two clubs.
Sharpshooter Jamayne Isaako is also on the verge of another career milestone, requiring just three points to reach 1,500 first-grade career points.
Team News
Dolphins
The Dolphins welcome back a host of key players for the top-four clash.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns to fullback, while Selwyn Cobbo comes back onto the wing after being rested following State of Origin.
Halfback Isaiya Katoa has been cleared to return after missing last week’s win over the Tigers as a precaution to allow his knee to recover.
Thomas Flegler is back in the starting front row, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki returns to the starting back row.
Max Plath has also been named to make his return via the interchange bench in jersey No. 14.
Tom Gilbert will miss the match after suffering a minor throat injury against the Tigers, with Felise Kaufusi moving to the interchange. Brad Schneider and Oryn Keeley have been named as the 18th and 19th men.
Warriors
Jackson Ford has been ruled out, with Tanner Stower-Smith promoted to the starting side at prop.
Kurt Capewell returns from State of Origin duties, with Marata Niukore shifting to the interchange bench.
Hooker Sam Healey has also been named to return on the bench
Match-Up
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki v Kurt Capewell
It’s a battle between Queensland’s present and future on the edge.
Fresh off making his State of Origin debut for Queensland, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will go head-to-head with Maroons veteran Kurt Capewell, who has represented his state on 15 occasions.
Capewell brings a wealth of experience, with 184 NRL appearances to his name. The Warriors back-rower has made five appearances this season, averaging 28 tackles per game with an 86.4 per cent tackle efficiency.
Finefeuiaki, meanwhile, has quickly become a key figure in the Dolphins’ forward pack. The 23-year-old has played 70 NRL games, including 13 appearances for the Dolphins this season, where he has averaged 34 tackles per game at an impressive 93 per cent tackle efficiency.
With one of Queensland’s most experienced edge forwards lining up against one of its newest representatives, this battle promises to be one of the most intriguing contests in Saturday’s top-four clash.
