A heavyweight battle awaits as the Roosters look to bounce back following a shock loss to Wests Tigers against an in-form Dolphins outfit.
The Roosters were looking to consolidate their two-top position with a win against Wests Tigers, but their opposition had other ideas, showing great spirit to steal a stunning 25-24 upset.
The loss saw the Roosters instead drop to third place on the ladder, just one place ahead of this week's rivals the Dolphins who were able to right the ship after a poor start against the Eels.
In what's become a bit of a concerning habit for Kristian Woolf's men, the conceded early points against the Parramatta - much like they had done in Round 23 against the Broncos - but were able to snap back into gear with some fantastic tries.
Against a stinging Roosters side looking to also make amends for the 48-10 loss they suffered last time these two sides met in Round 15, they can ill afford to give up such a head start.
Match: Roosters v Dolphins
Round 26 -
home Team
Roosters
3rd Position
away Team
Dolphins
4th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Roosters: Skipper James Tedesco has again been named to return from the ankle injury that has sidelined him for three games so Cody Ramsey moves to the bench. Nat Butcher starts at lock in place of Victor Radley (head knock) with Taylor Losalu joining the interchange.
Dolphins: Coach Kristian Woolf sticks with the same squad that got the job done against the Eels. After being promoted to the starting side last week in his second game, Brian Pouniu reverts to the bench with Max Plath named in the back row. Utility Kurt Donoghoe is listed among the reserves as he chases a return from a thumb injury suffered in Round 23.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Billy SmithWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Hugo SavalaCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Jack Bostock
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert ToiaCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mark NawaqanitawaseWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-EvansFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu WhyteProp for Dolphins is number 8 Thomas Flegler
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay CollinsProp for Dolphins is number 10 Tom Gilbert
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Salesi Foketi2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Max Plath
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Nat ButcherLock for Dolphins is number 13 Morgan Knowles
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor WatsonInterchange for Dolphins is number 14 Ray Stone
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Spencer LeniuInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Francis Molo
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Egan ButcherInterchange for Dolphins is number 16 Felise Kaufusi
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Taylor LosaluInterchange for Dolphins is number 17 Brian Pouniu
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Interchange for Roosters is number 18 Cody RamseyInterchange for Dolphins is number 18 Bradley Schneider
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Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Tommy TalauInterchange for Dolphins is number 19 Jake Averillo
Reserves
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Reserve for Roosters is number 20 Benaiah IoeluReserve for Dolphins is number 20 Tevita Naufahu
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Reserve for Roosters is number 21 Rex BassingthwaighteReserve for Dolphins is number 21 Sebastian Su'a
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Reserve for Roosters is number 22 Toby RodwellReserve for Dolphins is number 22 Kurt Donoghoe
Roosters Ins
- Benaiah Ioelu
- James Tedesco
- Taylor Losalu
- Toby Rodwell
Dolphins Ins
- Kurt Donoghoe
- Sebastian Su'a
- Tevita Naufahu
Roosters Outs
- Victor Radley
Dolphins Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won four of their last five games against the Dolphins.
- The Dolphins have won all three games they have played in Sydney this season.
- Roosters left winger Billy Smith has scored 10 tries in his last eight games.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako requires four points to break the Dolphins’ season scoring record.
- Roosters right winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored five tries in two games against the Dolphins.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
