After beating both of last year’s grand finalists in consecutive weeks in Rounds 6-7, the Dolphins crashed back to earth with a second-half fadeout in Canberra, while the Roosters clicked into gear on ANZAC Day.
The Dolphins led 28-10 at the break at GIO Stadium and looked to be on track for a fourth straight win but their ball control went out the window as the Raiders piled on 30 points in 30 minutes.
The Dolphins will have fond memories of their first ever game in the Telstra Premiership in Round 1, 2023, when they stunned the Roosters 28-18 at Suncorp Stadium.
With Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima calling the shots the hometown heroes will rate themselves a big chance of making it three wins from three trips to Magic Round after beating the Sharks in 2023 and Wests Tigers last year.
Trent Robinson’s men have had a tough draw to start the season, meeting the Broncos twice and Panthers twice inside the first seven rounds, but they found their mojo to run in seven tries against the Dragons and arrive at Magic Round full of confidence.
Match: Roosters v Dolphins
Round 9 -
home Team
Roosters
10th Position
away Team
Dolphins
14th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Roosters: The Roosters are 1-17 with no late changes, rolling out the same 17 that enjoyed a commanding victory over the Dragons on ANZAC Day. Ethan King is 18th man.
Dolphins: Late changes to the Dolphins after some key players were ruled out earlier in the week. Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Donoghoe were both withdrawn on Thursday morning, joining Daniel Saifiti who was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King is on track to return from his leg laceration. Mark Nicholls moves to prop, Connelly Lemuelu starts in the second row and Sean O'Sullivan and Oryn Keeley join the bench. Harrison Graham is 18th man.
Match: Roosters v Dolphins
Round 9 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Dolphins
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Billy SmithCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert ToiaCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mark NawaqanitawaseWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sandon SmithFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Hugo SavalaHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Spencer LeniuProp for Dolphins is number 10 Francis Molo
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor WatsonHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Naufahu WhyteProp for Dolphins is number 13 Mark Nicholls
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong2nd Row for Dolphins is number 16 Connelly Lemuelu
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor RadleyLock for Dolphins is number 12 Tom Gilbert
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Zach Dockar-ClayInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Ray Stone
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Salesi FoketiInterchange for Dolphins is number 17 Josh Kerr
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Blake SteepInterchange for Dolphins is number 19 Sean O'Sullivan
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Egan ButcherInterchange for Dolphins is number 20 Oryn Keeley
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Ethan KingReplacement for Dolphins is number 21 Harrison Graham
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have scored 96 points in their last three games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored four tries in his last three games against the Roosters.
- The Roosters have scored 70 points in back-to-back wins over the Dolphins.
- The Dolphins have won both of their Magic Round games.
- Roosters second-rower Angus Crichton has scored four tries in his past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
