Match Preview: Round 25 – Dolphins v Eels

The Dolphins return to Suncorp Stadium for their final home game of the regular season, looking to strengthen their grip on a top-four spot against the Eels on Friday night.

With their maiden finals berth secured, the Dolphins now have their sights set on earning a double chance in September as the regular season enters its final three rounds.

The Eels head to Brisbane sitting 13th on the ladder, but arrive off an upset win over the Cowboys and will provide another challenge for the fourth-placed Dolphins.

The two sides have met three times since the Dolphins entered the competition, with the Dolphins claiming two victories. Their most recent meeting came in Round 10 last season, when the Dolphins secured a 20-16 victory at the Eels’ home ground.

Friday night will also mark a milestone for Selwyn Cobbo, who is set to play his 100th NRL game.

It will be a significant night for Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima, Jake Averillo and Ray Stone, who are all set to play their final regular-season home game for the Dolphins.

Suncorp Stadium has become a happy hunting ground for the Dolphins, who head into Round 25 having won their past seven games at the venue. Isaako has also crossed for 10 tries in his past eight appearances at Suncorp.

Team News

Dolphins

Max Plath moves into the starting side in the second row after Connelly Lemuelu was ruled out with a low-grade hamstring injury.

Ray Stone takes the No.14 jersey, while Brian Pouniu joins the interchange bench.

Eels

Jack de Belin returns at lock for Parramatta, pushing Saxon Pryke back to the interchange bench.

Kelma Tuilagi has also been named on the extended bench, with Dylan Walker sidelined by a wrist injury.

Match-Up

Tom Gilbert v Junior Paulo

Two experienced Origin forwards will go head-to-head in the middle when Tom Gilbert takes on Junior Paulo.

Both props bring more than just powerful carries to their respective packs, with their ability to play with the ball and create opportunities through the middle making them key contributors to their sides.

Gilbert enters the contest with 88 NRL appearances to his name, while Paulo brings the experience of 277 games.

Across 20 appearances this season, Gilbert has recorded 22 tackle breaks, 714 post-contact metres and 608 tackles, highlighting the workload he continues to produce on both sides of the ball.

Paulo has featured 14 times this season, registering 17 tackle breaks, 546 post-contact metres and 328 tackles.

With both men named in the No.10 jersey, the battle for control through the middle will be one to watch on Friday night.