Match Preview: Round 3 – Dolphins v Tigers

The Dolphins have faced unforeseen and sudden adversity in Rounds 1 and 2, with Tropical Cyclone Alfred disrupting team preparations for the side's two away fixtures. 

 "We are looking forward to a full week of training at our home ground and obviously playing in front of our home crowd this weekend," said Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi. With normality returning to the training schedule, the Dolphins are primed for their return home while remaining focused on their goal of winning in Round 3.

Tigers coach Benji Marshall will travel north full of confidence from last week's 26-point victory as the side prepares for their first interstate trip of the season. Bolstered by the big-name recruits of Jerome Luai, Terrell May and Sunia Turuva in the off-season, the Tigers will no doubt be looking to build upon their big win last week as they chase a strong start to what could be a promising season.

Team Changes

Both sides have named unchanged team lists from last week's games.

Head Coach Kristian Woolf has shown faith in his side despite the winless start, sticking with the same squad for last week's loss, with young guns Jack Bostock and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki on the extended reserves as they look to return to the side from injury.

An injury to Bostock in the final Pre-Season Challenge match has ruled him out of selection so far this season, while Finefeuiaki missed Round 2 due to concussion protocols.

Clash of the Week

This week's fixture shines a spotlight on both team's halfbacks in the battle of the 7's. This exciting matchup pits rising star Isaiya Katoa head-to-head with four-time premiership winner Jarome Luai.

Both playmakers are proud representatives of their Pacific Island heritage, Katoa for Tonga and Luai for Samoa, having first met on the international stage when Samoa edged out Tonga by two points in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Since then, the two players have only met once more in the Dolphins' Inaugural 2023 season at Kayo Stadium, with Laui and his previous side, the Panthers, taking the victory.

Katoa has been steadily growing into his role as the Dolphins' chief playmaker, showcasing his game management and ability to penetrate defences with his passing and strong kicking game.

Luai, now leading the Tigers' attack, brings his competitive fire into the contest. He is a proven big-game player who thrives on unsettling defensive lines with unpredictability and elusiveness.

No doubt, when these two players have the ball in hand on the weekend, the crowd at Kayo Stadium will be on the edge of their seats.

Head-To-Head Stats

Saturday afternoon clash between the Dolphins and the Tigers will mark the fourth occasion the sides have met. The Dolphins emerged triumphant in both fixtures last year, and the Tigers won in dramatic style by 1 point in 2023.

This match will also be the two sides' first meeting at Kayo Stadium, a venue where the Dolphins hold a 66% win rate.