LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Match Preview: Round 12 - Dolphins vs.
Bulldogs
The Dolphins are preparing for a challenging away match against the ladder-leading Bulldogs at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Thursday night at 7:50 PM.
Both teams are facing significant disruptions due to injuries and State of Origin selections, resulting in seven players unavailable for selection.
This situation will require coaches Kristian Woolf and Cameron Ciraldo to reshuffle their lineups, testing the depth of their squads.
For the Dolphins, this match is especially crucial, as they have yet to secure a victory against the Bulldogs since their entry into the NRL.
Their previous encounters in Bundaberg in 2023 and 2024 ended in defeats, making this game an essential opportunity for the Dolphins to demonstrate their resilience and rebuild momentum as they enter the mid-season phase.
In terms of team changes, Tom Gilbert will miss the game due to injury, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been selected for Queensland's State of Origin Game One.
The Dolphins will adapt by moving Jake Averillo to fullback and inserting Connelly Lemuelu into the second row of the starting lineup.
Max Feagai will make his club debut at center, with Oryn Keeley taking the number 17 jersey.
Similarly, the Bulldogs must adjust as well, with Stephen Crichton, Max King, and Kurt Mann unavailable due to their State of Origin commitments, alongside Jacob Kiraz and Daniel Suluka-Fifita, who are both injured.
Josh Curran will return from suspension to bolster the team, joining Bailey Hayward and Lipoi Hopoi as changes in the forward pack.
Blake Taaffe has been named at center, and Jake Turpin and Sam Hughes will feature on the bench.
With both teams struggling with player availability, the match promises to be an intriguing battle as each squad looks to overcome their challenges and secure a vital victory.