LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Match Preview: Round 27 - Dolphins vs. Raiders
According to dolphinsnrl.com.au, Sunday's match is crucial for the Dolphins, who require more than just their own victory to succeed.
The Dolphins are up against the Minor Premiers, the Raiders, in front of a sold-out crowd at Kayo Stadium.
Sitting just outside the top eight, the Dolphins understand that winning is not enough; they will need other results to favor them to secure the last finals spot.
Their playoff hopes are still alive as they approach their final match of the season, which they must win.
Returning to the squad is forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who missed last week's game and takes the place of Connelly Lemuelu, sidelined due to a low-grade knee injury.
Herbie Farnworth has been named on the extended bench, hoping to return from the hamstring injury that kept him out since Round 22. After four weeks off, he is eager to make his comeback in this crucial match.
On the other hand, Raiders Head Coach Ricky Stuart will rest several key players, including Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty, Joe Tapine, Tom Starling, Simi Sasagi, Josh Papalii, Zac Hosking, and Hudson Young.
The Raiders' roster will feature young talents with Chevy Stewart at fullback and Adam Cook alongside Ethan Sanders in the halves. Matty Nicholson will be in the back row, while Utuloa Asomua, along with bench players Manaia Waitere and Joe Roddy, will make their NRL debut.