Match Preview: Round 22 – Dolphins v Roosters

Author: Liam Edwards
Timestamp: Thu 1 Aug 2024, 02:49 PM

The Dolphins head west to Perth this week for a crucial Round 22 clash against the Roosters.

The match, set to kick off at 8 PM AEST (6 PM AWST) on Friday night at HBF Park, looms as a season-defining encounter. With finals hopes on the line, the Dolphins are determined to turn their recent fortunes around and keep their playoff aspirations alive.

TEAM CHANGES:

The Dolphins won’t make any changes to the side that lost in round 21, with Sean O’Sullivan remaining on the bench after his late inclusion last weekend. Meanwhile, the Roosters will be boosted by the return of Joey Manu, who is the only change to the side, having missed the last three weeks with a hand injury.

Round 22 - Round 22 - Friday 2 Aug

Full Time

Dolphins

Roosters

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako

Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo

Centre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i
Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth

Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock

Winger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic Young
Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 17 Sean O'Sullivan

Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa

Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Forwards

Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Spencer Leniu
Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max Plath

Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
Prop for Dolphins is number 18 Oryn Keeley

Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi

2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu

2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Victor Radley
Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath Bromwich

Lock for Roosters is number 13 Connor Watson

Interchange

Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Josh Kerr

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Sitili Tupouniua
Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark Nicholls

Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Naufahu Whyte
Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone

Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
Interchange for Dolphins is number 19 Tesi Niu

Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May

Reserves

Replacement for Dolphins is number 10 Tevita Pangai Junior

Replacement for Roosters is number 20 Ethan King

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:36 PM

THE FIGHT FOR FINALS:

As the Dolphins teeter on the edge of securing a finals spot in just their second season, their recent form has placed them in a precarious position at the lower end of the top eight. A string of losses—four out of their last five games—has seen them slide from sixth to eighth on the ladder, their standing maintained by a positive points differential.

The Roosters currently sit third on the competition ladder, and they have their sights firmly set on a deep run into the finals. Having won three of their last four matches, they will be looking to continue their winning ways. However, last week's victory over Manly wasn’t without its faults, as the Sea Eagles came within four points of a late-game comeback.

As the competition heats up, both sides will be eager to solidify their positions. The Roosters aim to fine-tune their game ahead of the postseason, while the Dolphins are desperate to secure their first finals berth.

THE CENTRES OF ATTENTION:

The return of Joey Manu sets the stage for one of the most exciting matchups of Round 22. The Roosters' dynamic centre will go head-to-head with the Dolphins' formidable English international, Herbie Farnworth.

Both players have delivered outstanding performances this season, showcasing their unique styles and skills. Farnworth's powerful, hard-running approach has consistently broken through defensive lines, making him a critical asset for the Dolphins. On the other hand, Manu's attacking flair and versatility have made him a constant threat to opposing teams.

This matchup pits two of the game's top centres against each other, each at the peak of their game. Fans can expect a thrilling contest from Farnworth and Manu, with their individual performances likely to have a significant impact on the overall outcome of the game.

THE WILD WEST:

The Dolphins return to Perth for the second year in a row despite a narrow loss to the Knights from last season. In that game, Jamayne Isaako shone brightly, scoring a hat trick in the 28-30 loss.

Meanwhile, the Roosters are making their first appearance in Perth since 1995, adding an extra layer of excitement to the match.

HBF Park will host its 15th NRL game since it first welcomed the sport in 1997, with a historic match between the Western Reds and the Bulldogs. The venue is set to witness another thrilling encounter as the Dolphins and Roosters clash in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of rugby league.