Match Preview: Round 25 – Dolphins v Storm
The Dolphins are set to make their inaugural visit to Melbourne in Round 25, where they will face the Storm for the second time this season.
Their previous encounter in Round 16 at Suncorp Stadium saw the Storm edge out a 6-point victory in a closely contested match. As the Dolphins aim to boost their chances of a finals berth, they’ll be looking to turn the tables this time around. The Storm, currently perched at the top of the ladder after a win over the Panthers last week, will be a formidable challenge.
TEAM CHANGES
The Dolphins will be bolstered by the return of veteran front-rower Mark Nicholls, who has been named on the interchange bench after missing the previous game due to concussion protocols.
Meanwhile, the Storm will adjust their backline in response to Grant Anderson's absence, with Tyran Wishart stepping into the starting wing position and Sua Fa’alogo joining the bench.
OLD FRIENDS AND FAMILIAR FOES
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Storm at AAMI Park, a quartet of their forward pack brings a deep connection to their former club. Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, and Mark Nicholls—key members of the Dolphins’ lineup—all have roots in Melbourne, where they collectively notched up 693 games for the Storm. This experience will be crucial as they aim to lay the groundwork for a victory against their old team in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich leads the charge and will mark a significant career milestone in this game. With 337 NRL appearances, Bromwich will become the 10th most-capped player in league history. This momentous achievement will be particularly meaningful as it unfolds against the club where he spent the majority of his storied career. Facing familiar faces now as rivals, the former Storm players will have extra motivation to perform at their best, striving to steer the Dolphins to a memorable win in their return to AAMI Park.
THE HAMMER v. THE MULLET
As the debate over who holds the title of the fastest man in the NRL heats up, this week's clash will feature a thrilling showdown between two of the league's most electrifying speedsters. The spotlight will be on the fullbacks, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow of the Dolphins and Ryan Papenhuyzen of the Storm, as they go head-to-head in a battle of pace and elusivity. Both players are renowned for their blistering speed and footwork, making this matchup one of the most anticipated of the round.
With Tabuai-Fidow having crossed the line 12 times this season and Papenhuyzen close behind with 11 tries, both are integral to their teams' attacking strategies. Their ability to break through defensive lines and create scoring opportunities has been a hallmark of their play. As they look to outpace each other on the field, the outcome of this contest could hinge on which of these dynamic fullbacks can turn their speed into points.
