The Dolphins are set to face either the Warriors or Penrith away in the first week of the finals, filled with confidence after bouncing back from two close losses to the top teams earlier this season. Coach Kristian Woolf stated that his team would be "ready to go" against any opponent, having made two last-minute adjustments to his lineup for Friday night's match against Gold Coast.
Earlier this week, winger Selwyn Cobbo (ankle) was ruled out, alongside five-eighth Kodi Nikorima (hamstring) and second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (knee) due to their injuries. Tevita Naufahu will step in for Cobbo, with Jake Averillo taking on the No. 6 jersey, while Connelly Lemuelu and Brian Pouniu are planned to share the back row duties.
Woolf commented that "those (injured) blokes will all be fit and healthy next week," adding that while they could have played this week, it was wiser to rest them given the finals ahead. With the Dolphins in third place, they will learn their opponent for the first round of the finals only after Sunday's clash between Penrith and Wests Tigers.
After experiencing consecutive losses, the Dolphins narrowly lost 23-22 to Penrith and 20-18 to the Warriors in rounds seven and eight. However, they went on to secure eight consecutive victories, gaining confidence and refining their gameplay.
Woolf recalled how in 2006, Brisbane players Shane Webcke and Darren Lockyer cited an 18-12 loss to Melbourne, their fifth defeat then, as a pivotal moment that propelled them toward a grand final win. Reflecting on his team's comeback against Penrith in Darwin, especially being down 18-nil at halftime, Woolf highlighted it as a demonstration of "character" that imparted crucial lessons.
He noted, "I thought we showed a lot of class as well in terms of the points we were able to find," and this performance bolstered their belief moving forward. The earlier contest against the Warriors on Anzac Day also served as a critical learning experience, especially in a fiercely contested environment in Wellington.
Despite their prior challenges, the Dolphins have achieved a six-game winning streak, including a victory over the Warriors in Brisbane. Woolf expressed that he is unconcerned about the finals matchup, stating, "I don't have a preference. It's out of the control as well," emphasizing the momentum they aim to carry into the finals.