Match Preview: Round 26 – Dolphins v Roosters

The finals are locked in, but there is still plenty on the line when the Dolphins head to Sydney for a top-four showdown with the Roosters.

Third meets fourth in Round 26, giving the Dolphins another opportunity to test themselves against one of the competition’s leading sides as September approaches.

The Dolphins arrive in Sydney with momentum after their victory over the Eels last Friday night, while the Roosters will be looking to respond following a loss to the Tigers.

The two sides last met during the Origin period in Round 15, when the Dolphins produced a dominant 48-10 victory at Suncorp Stadium.

This time, the challenge comes in Sydney and with both sides preparing for finals football.

The Dolphins will take confidence from their record on the road, having won all three games they have played in Sydney this season.

Jamayne Isaako also enters the clash on the verge of another club record.
The winger needs five points to surpass his own Dolphins record for most points in a season, having set the benchmark with 278 points in 2025.

Isaako is also within reach of rare territory, sitting 26 points away from becoming just the fourth player to score 300 points in an NRL season.

Team News

Dolphins

Kristian Woolf has backed the side that secured victory over the Eels last Friday night, naming an unchanged 17 to face the Roosters.

Max Plath returns to the back row after a late change to the final team last Friday saw Brian Pouniu elevated into the starting side.

Pouniu remains in the 17 for his third NRL appearance after an impressive 80-minute performance against the Eels.

Roosters

James Tedesco has again been named to return from the ankle injury that has sidelined him for three games, with Cody Ramsey moving to the bench.

Nat Butcher starts at lock in place of Victor Radley, who is unavailable following a head knock, while Taylor Losalu joins the interchange.

Match-Up

Jack Bostock v Robert Toia

Two of Origin’s emerging centres will go head-to-head in a match-up that could have a major say in the contest.

Robert Toia has been a constant threat for the Roosters this season, scoring 11 tries and providing 12 try assists across 19 appearances. He has also recorded 89 tackle breaks and 12 line breaks while averaging 111 running metres per game.

Jack Bostock has been just as influential for the Dolphins. Across 12 appearances, he has scored five tries and produced 11 try assists, along with 28 tackle breaks and five line breaks. His work with the ball has also been a feature, averaging 162 running metres per game.

With both centres capable of creating opportunities on their respective edges, their defence will need to be on point. Limiting each other's time and space could be crucial as Bostock and Toia go head-to-head in Sydney.