Match Preview: Round 20 – Dolphins v Cowboys
The Dolphins have an opportunity to respond in Round 20 as they return to Suncorp Stadium for the XXXX Derby against the Cowboys.
After a disappointing result last week, Kristian Woolf’s side will be determined to bounce back in front of their home fans. Standing in their way is a Cowboys outfit full of confidence after snatching a one-point victory last weekend.
History is on the Dolphins’ side. They have won their past four meetings with the Cowboys and are unbeaten in their last five matches at Suncorp Stadium. They’ll be looking to continue both streaks on Sunday afternoon.
Team News
Dolphins
The Dolphins welcome back a host of representative stars.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns at fullback after missing the past two matches on State of Origin duty, while Jack Bostock is back in the centres and Selwyn Cobbo returns on the wing following their own Origin commitments.
Up front, Thomas Flegler has been named to start at prop, while Max Plath and Felise Kaufusi return via the interchange bench.
Tevita Naufahu and Sebastian Su’a have been named as 18th and 19th man.
Cowboys
The Cowboys could receive a major boost with Queensland representative Tom Dearden named among the reserves as he eyes his first appearance since Round 10.
Griffin Neame starts at prop in place of Tom Mikaele, while Kai O’Donnell has been added to the interchange in place of John Bateman. Kaiden Lahrs has also been named on the bench and is in line for his first NRL appearance since Round 3.
Match-Up
Tom Gilbert vs Jason Taumalolo
Two of Queensland’s toughest forwards will go head-to-head when Tom Gilbert lines up against Cowboys veteran Jason Taumalolo.
Gilbert has enjoyed another impressive campaign for the Dolphins, making 16 appearances this season. The Dolphins captain has made 521 tackles at an outstanding 94 per cent efficiency, while also producing 15 tackle breaks with his trademark toughness in the middle.
Taumalolo remains one of the competition’s premier forwards. The 301-game veteran has featured in 16 matches this season, making 301 tackles at 90 per cent efficiency while continuing to provide powerful carries through the middle of the field.
Both players lead through their actions rather than words, and whoever wins the battle through the middle could go a long way towards deciding the outcome of Sunday’s XXXX Derby.
