Dolphins preparing for ‘best team in the comp’
The ‘best team in the comp’ are looming according to Coach Kristian Woolf as the Dolphins search for their first win over the Storm on Friday night.
Fresh off a win over the 2024 Premiers, Penrith, the Dolphins will need to rise to the challenge once again, as runners-up, Melbourne make the trip north to Suncorp Stadium.
Dolphins v Panthers – Round 6, 2025
Both sides will be chasing three wins in a row and the Dolphins will need to halt a rampaging Storm after putting 40 points on their last two opponents.
“Melbourne is loaded with quality,” Woolf said.
“Their 9,6,7 and 1 are arguably the best combination in the league, and with Craig Bellamy at the helm, you know they're going to be at their best. But we’ve had a great week of prep and we’re up for it.”
Match: Dolphins v Storm
Round 7 -
home Team
Dolphins
9th Position
away Team
Storm
2nd Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Woolf is expecting the Storm to come out strong and has urged his side to hold their nerve early.
“They start fast. They challenge you from the first whistle, and they’ve got the class to back it up. We’ve got to be right in the fight from the first 15–20 minutes.”
The Dolphins face an uphill challenge after hooker Jeremy Marshall-King was withdrawn earlier today due to a deep cut sustained last week against the Panthers.
Woolf: This challenge has come at the right time and we're up for it
Woolf said in his press conference that Kurt Donoghoe will share time at hooker with Max Plath, who will also slot into the No.13 role throughout the match.
“Kurt’s been growing into first grade really well,” Woolf said.
“He's done the work through preseason and has become more settled each week”.
In other changes, Ray Stone will return to the bench after serving a one-game suspension and Woolf is expecting Stone to pick up where he left off giving everything he’s got on the field.
One of the most exciting matchups of the night will be the fullback showdown between Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and his opposite Ryan Papenhuyzen, two of the fastest and most electrifying players in the NRL.
Hammer’s been in a great place lately. When he’s playing well, we play well
As always the Dolphins will also be counting on their loyal fans to create a sea of red in the stands for what’s shaping up to be a blockbuster Good Friday clash.
“The players love playing in front of a big, vocal home crowd,” Woolf said.
“We love playing at Suncorp, the energy, the atmosphere, it makes a massive difference.”
Coming off back-to-back wins, Friday night is shaping up to be the Dolphins’ biggest challenge yet as they search for their first win over the Storm.
