There is a lot at stake as two teams outside the top eight chase two crucial competition points on Sunday afternoon.
A 34-40 loss to the Roosters last weekend saw the Dolphins fall outside the eighth round for the first time since round one and are desperate to end a worrying run of five defeats in their last six games.
Coach Wayne Bennett has been in this situation before and will surely be preparing his team well for Sunday’s clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium. While their attack is going well, the coach will have spent the week strengthening the defence.
The Warriors currently sit 13th in the standings, five points behind eighth-placed St. George Illawarra, and need a win over the Dolphins to keep their finals hopes alive.
After last week’s loss to the Eels, they have been able to bring experienced halfback Shaun Johnson back into the team and will be hoping that the playmaker can return to full fitness in his second game back from his Achilles tendon injury.
The Warriors prevailed 24-20 when the two sides faced each other earlier this year and they will need to repeat that performance to win at Suncorp Stadium.
Sportsbet Betting Preview – Dolphins vs Warriors
Team News
Dolphins: Forward Tevita Pangai jnr (calf) and playmaker Kodi Nikorima (illness) have been named as returnees after missing the game against the Roosters, and winger Jamayne Isaako will also play despite spraining his ankle last week. There were no last-minute substitutions an hour before kick-off, with Lachlan Hubner remaining in the squad as the 18th player.
Warrior: Just days after announcing his retirement from rugby league at the end of the season, Shaun Johnson has dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off. In his place, Te Maire Martin will start at halfback. Demitric Sifakula has come on for his fourth NRL appearance and his first since playing against Brisbane in Napier in May last year. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has moved to centre as Moala Graham-Taufa has dropped out and Ed Kosi has returned to the wing. Taine Tuaupiki is the 18th man.
