Match Preview: Round 22 – Dolphins v Dragons

The Dolphins return from the bye with plenty on the line as they travel to Wollongong to take on the Dragons on Friday night, with a maiden finals appearance edging closer.

Fresh off a convincing win over the Cowboys before the week off, the Dolphins will be looking to quickly regain their momentum and take another important step towards securing a place in the top eight.

History is on the Dolphins' side, having won three of their past four meetings with the Dragons. Their most recent clash came in Round 14 last season, when the Dolphins produced a dominant 56-6 victory.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has also enjoyed facing the Dragons, scoring six tries across his last three appearances against the Red V.

The Dolphins will also celebrate a milestone on Friday night, with Kurt Donoghoe set to make his 50th NRL appearance, all of which have come in Dolphins colours.

Team News

Dolphins

Jack Bostock returns in the centres after missing the Cowboys clash through concussion, with Selwyn Cobbo shifting back to the wing.

Jake Averillo (ribs) and Ray Stone (shoulder) have both been named on the interchange, while playmaker Isaiya Katoa has been included in the extended squad as he eyes a return from a wrist injury.

Dragons

The Dragons have named the same starting side that went down to the Titans last weekend. The only change to their 19-man squad sees Moses Suli added to the interchange in place of Emre Guler.

Match-Up

Centres Go Head-to-Head

Two of the NRL’s premier centres will go head-to-head on Friday night when Herbie Farnworth lines up against Valentine Holmes in what shapes as one of the key battles of the match.

Farnworth has continued his outstanding form in 2026, featuring in 17 games and crossing for eight tries. The England international has also produced four try assists, 118 tackle breaks and 10 line breaks, while maintaining an impressive 94 per cent tackle efficiency.

On the opposite side, Holmes has once again been a major attacking weapon for the Dragons. The veteran has played 18 games this season, scoring eight tries and providing seven try assists to go with 39 tackle breaks and 11 line breaks.

Across his 235-game NRL career, Holmes remains one of the competition’s most experienced and dangerous outside backs.

With both players capable of turning a game through their attacking brilliance, whichever centre can gain the upper hand could play a crucial role in deciding Friday night’s contest.