Match Preview: Round 6 – Dolphins v Panthers
Fresh off a dominant win over the Titans to claim their first victory of the season, the Dolphins return to Suncorp Stadium for a Thursday night thriller against the reigning premiers.
With just a five-day turnaround, there's been little time to dwell on last week's result as the focus quickly shifts to a Panthers side eager to bounce back from four straight losses.
Dolphins head coach Kristian Woolf is confident the team has prepared effectively during the short week but remains wary of the Panthers despite their recent form and emphasised the need for the Dolphins to continue to build upon their most recent result.
"At the end of the day, if we don't back that performance up, it counts for very little. That's the challenge for us now", Woolf said.
"They're a great team; we know what sort of challenge it's going to be, and they have some really impressive players back this week.
Woolf also praised halfback Isaiya Katoa for his outstanding start to the season as he prepares to notch his 50th NRL and Dolphins appearance on Thursday night. Katoa has continued to develop his game, showing greater confidence taking on the line and running the ball in recent appearances, and he will undoubtedly be looking to leave his mark on his milestone night.
Match: Dolphins v Panthers
Round 6 -
home Team
Dolphins
14th Position
away Team
Panthers
16th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
After kicking off their season with a win in Las Vegas, the Panthers have dropped four straight games on Australian soil, marking their longest losing streak since before their run of five consecutive Grand Final appearances. Despite their recent form, the reigning premiers remain one of the NRL's benchmark sides and will be hungry to return to winning ways.
In a significant boost, fullback Dylan Edwards has been named to return from a groin injury that has sidelined him since Round 3. His inclusion could spark the Panthers' attack and provide the edge they need to regain their winning ways.
Team Changes
Dolphins' Captain Tom Gilbert will start in the second row after serving a one-game suspension. Hard-hitting utility forward Ray Stone will miss the game after accepting an early guilty plea on a high tackle charge.
Gilbert's return will lead to a reshuffle in the forward pack, with Mark Nicholls moving to the interchange, Max Plath named at lock, and Felise Kaufusi starting in the front row.
The Panthers will welcome back Dylan Edwards and Scott Sorensen but will be without hooker Mitch Kenny and five-eighth Jack Cole. Blaize Talagi will partner Nathan Cleary in the halves, with Luke Sommerton replacing Kenny at hooker.
Clash of the week
Thursday night's blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium features a mouthwatering battle at the back, with two of the game's elite fullbacks set to go head-to-head. Both fan favourites and representatives at the state and international level, this match-up between Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Dylan Edwards is sure to keep fans hooked from the opening whistle.
The Hammer is known for lighting up the field with his blistering speed and evasiveness. His ability to turn half-chances and open-field play into game-breaking moments makes him one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in the NRL.
Edwards, in his return from injury, will be looking to deliver a trademark performance. Whether through his strong support play, timely defensive movements or his reliability under pressure, Edwards' inclusion for the Panthers will no doubt be a boost to a side in search of a victory.
