Club teammates become international rivals as the Rugby League World Cup reaches its business end, with Dolphins stars going head-to-head for a place in the Final.
Four nations remain, and with New Zealand, Tonga, Australia and Samoa all fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The action kicks off on Saturday in Newcastle, where New Zealand and Tonga renew their rivalry, before Australia and Samoa battle it out at Allianz Stadium.
With Dolphins representatives featuring across all four nations, there is plenty on the line as the race for World Cup glory heats up.
Kiwis and Tonga Set for Blockbuster Battle
New Zealand and Tonga will renew their international rivalry in Newcastle, with Dolphins teammates set to find themselves on opposite sides of the field.
For the Kiwis, Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King will be looking to help his side secure a place in the World Cup Final after an impressive campaign.
New Zealand enter the clash following a convincing quarter-final victory over Fiji, but face a Tongan side riding high after a thrilling 20-18 win over Samoa.
The Kiwis could also welcome back Kalyn Ponga, who is closing in on a return from a broken arm suffered in the tournament opener against Australia. Phoenix Crossland is also in contention after serving a four-game suspension.
On the other side, Dolphins head coach Kristian Woolf will once again lead Tonga into battle, with club stars Isaiya Katoa and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki looking to continue their nation's World Cup charge.
Woolf has named an unchanged 19-man squad following Sunday's hard-fought victory over Samoa.
After returning from an ankle injury, Katoa played the full 80 minutes against Samoa and has again been named alongside Tui Lolohea in the halves.
The Dolphins playmaker will be crucial to Tonga's attacking combinations as they look to break down the Kiwis' defence.
The two nations have produced memorable World Cup encounters in the past, including Tonga's historic 28-22 victory in Hamilton in 2017.
Australia and Samoa Battle for Final Spot
The second semi-final will see Australia take on Samoa at Allianz Stadium, with Dolphins representatives looking to help their respective nations keep their World Cup dreams alive.
For Australia, Dolphins outside back Jack Bostock will be hoping to continue his remarkable debut international campaign.
The Kangaroos enter the clash with an unchanged starting side.
Standing in Australia's way is a powerful Samoan outfit featuring Dolphins stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Connelly Lemuelu and Francis Molo.
Fresh off announcing his commitment to the Dolphins with a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2029, Tabuai-Fidow will be looking to make his mark on the international stage once again.
The electrifying fullback has been a dangerous attacking weapon throughout the tournament, using his blistering speed and footwork to create opportunities for Samoa.
Molo also made his mark in that encounter, powering over for his first international try.
Samoa will be determined to bounce back from their narrow defeat to Tonga, with a World Cup Final appearance now just one win away.
Coach Ben Gardiner has been forced into a change in the halves, with Ronald Volkman named at five-eighth following Chanel Harris-Tavita's hamstring injury.
Benaiah Ioelu has been named to start at hooker, while Deine Mariner returns to the interchange after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in Round 1.
