Match Preview: Round 27 – Dolphins v Titans

The Dolphins head south to the Gold Coast for the final game of the regular season, taking on the Titans in the XXXX Derby at Cbus Super Stadium.

Sitting third on the ladder, the Dolphins will look to carry their momentum into their maiden finals campaign and close out the regular season with another strong performance.

The Titans sit 16th heading into Round 27 and, with their season ending on Friday night, will be determined to finish their year on a high in front of their home crowd.

Kristian Woolf has opted to take a cautious approach ahead of the finals, with several players rested from the Round 27 clash.

The Dolphins will also take confidence from their record on the Gold Coast, having won all three of their previous meetings with the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

The Dolphins head into the clash with a strong record at Cbus Super Stadium, having won all three of their previous games against the Titans at the venue, while Herbie Farnworth enters the final round in strong form with four tries in his last four games.

Max Plath will also celebrate a milestone on Friday night, making his 50th NRL appearance, with all 50 games coming in Dolphins colours.

Team News

Dolphins

Coach Kristian Woolf has made several changes for the final game of the regular season, with Kodi Nikorima and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki joining Selwyn Cobbo on the sidelines.

Nikorima will be rested due to hamstring tightness, while Finefeuiaki will sit out with a knee concern. Cobbo was not named on Tuesday after picking up an ankle injury.

Woolf confirmed the trio could have played if required, but the decision was made to take a cautious approach ahead of the club’s first finals campaign.

Brian Pouniu is set to start in the back row, while Tevita Naufahu comes onto the left wing. Jake Averillo is expected to move into five-eighth.

Connelly Lemuelu will make his return after missing the past two games with a hamstring injury.

Titans

The Titans welcome back Beau Fermor from a rib injury, while hooker Oliver Pascoe will miss the clash due to concussion.

Luke Sommerton takes over at hooker, with Sam Verrills joining the interchange for his first NRL appearance since Round 23.

Chris Randall and Moe Fotuaika have been promoted to the starting side, with Klese Haas and Cooper Bai moving back to the bench.

Youngster Sunny Kama is also set to make his NRL debut from the interchange.

Match-Up

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow v Keano Kini

Two of the competition’s most dangerous fullbacks go head-to-head on Friday night, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Keano Kini set to provide plenty of spark from the back.

Kini has been a constant threat for the Titans across his 23 appearances this season, scoring three tries and producing 13 try assists, 110 tackle breaks and 18 line breaks.

The Hammer has been just as dangerous for the Dolphins, crossing for 11 tries in 18 appearances while adding 10 try assists, 71 tackle breaks and nine line breaks.

Both fullbacks bring a different threat to the contest, with Kini’s footwork and ability to create opportunities matched against Tabuai-Fidow’s speed and try-scoring ability.

With 24 tries and 23 try assists between them this season, the battle at the back shapes as one to watch in the final round of the regular season.