NRL Match Report | Round 26 V Dolphins

Media conferences

80 min: Chester has secured North Queensland's third finals berth in six seasons with a late try. Cowboys 24 Tigers10

77 min: Luai has limped from the field and will watch the rest of the game from the bench.

73 min: Jake Clifford has found touch from a long goal line drop out. The Cowboys are just minutes away from locking up a finals berth.

68 min: Luai is on report for a high shot on Chester.

67 min; Braidon Burns has been called back for a forward pass by Drinkwater as he looked set to score.

65 min: Terrell May has had a try disallowed for an obstruction by fellow Wests Tiger prop Fonua Pole.   

58 min: Jaxon Purdue has scored after a Drinkwater kick hit the post and bounced in front of the Cowboys centre. Drinkwater converted. Cowboys 20 Tigers 10.

54 min: Luki has sliced through the defence off a Dearden pass to put the Cowboys ahead. Drinkwater converted. Cowboys 14-10

52 min: A trysaving tackle by Samuela Fainu forced the ball loose from Reuben Cotter near the Tigers line.

48 min: Dearden has forced a goal line drop out with a deft grubber into the Tigers in-goal.

43 min: The Tigers have forced a goal line drop out with some strong defence.

42 min: Heilum Luki has been penalised for a high shot on Junior Tupou.

Halftime summary: The Cowboys have everything to play for Wests Tigers are the team that looks like they are fighting for a finals berth. Benji Marshall's men have completed 18 of 20 sets of possession and are dominating field position in the opening half. It's a big 40 minutes coming up for Bulldogs and Sea Eagles fans as well as the Cowboys.

39 min: Laybutt has been ruled out of the game with a Category 1 concussion.

34 min: Cowboys back Zac Laybutt and Tigers backrower Tony Sukkar have been forced from the field for HIAs after a headclash. 

31 min: Junior Tupou has put the Tigers in front after Samuela Fainu batted back a Madden kick and Luai threw a long pass to his winger. Madden's conversion attempt has hit the upright. Tigers 10 Cowboys 8

24 min: Mikaele has lost the ball from the kick-off - and the Cowboys have lost their challenge after contesting the decision by referee Grant Atkins. 

23 min: Luai has raced 90m to score but the try has been disallowed as Api Koroisau was ruled to have deliberately slapped at the ball to knock it from Thomas Mikaele's arm rather than attempt a tackle. Drinkwater kicked an easy penalty goal. Cowboys 8 Tigers 6 

18 min: The Tigers defence has been strong and they forced an error from Jeremiah Nanai. Luai is having a huge game.

17 min: Luai has been penalised for going on with a tackle on Dearden after he had passed the ball.   

12 min: Wests Tigers winger Jeral Skelton has won the race for a perfectly weighted Jarome Luai grubber into the Cowboys in-goal. Jock Madden has landed the conversion from out wide. Cowboys 6 Tigers 6 

8 min: Dearden and fullback Scott Drinkwater have combined to put Tom Chester over for the opening try of the match. Drinwater converted. Cowboys 6 Tigers 0.  

4 min: It's been all the Tigers in the early exchanges, but the Cowboys have completed their first set and Tom Dearden has put up a bomb.

2 min: The Tigers have the first penalty.

1 min: We are underway

Late Mail

Cowboys: The Cowboys are 1-19 with no late changes. Skipper Tom Dearden is back after four games out with an ankle injury so Jaxon Purdue moves to centre and Zac Laybutt to the wing. Star back-rower Jeremiah Nanai is also back from a hamstring injury. Coach Todd Payten revealed that winger Murray Taulagi had been to see an independent doctor after a suffering a concussion at training last week - his third head knock for the season. "He is going to sit out this week and we will know more by Friday," Payten said. 

Wests Tigers: No game day changes for the Tigers. The loss of Alex Twal to concussion means Alex Seyfarth takes the No.13 jersey while Terrell May is back in the starting side at prop. Sunia Turuva was named on the bench on Tuesday after missing the Roosters game with a knee injury but he has dropped out on Friday. Vaka Aho joined the bench in the 24-hour update for a potential NRL debut.

 

Roosters v Dolphins at Allianz Stadium

Media conference

Full-time: A huge statement from the Dolphins as they overcome the loss of two men to the sin bin to notch a 16th win of the season that will give them a huge confidence boost heading into their first ever finals series.

80 min: Jack Bostock and Isaiya Katoa get across to bundle Tommy Talau into touch to put an exclamation mark on a 26-12 victory that lifts them to third on the ladder.

78 min: Back to 13 on 13 as Morgan Knowles returns from the bin.

77 min: More scramble from the Dolphins as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow brings down Hugo Savala on the last play 10m out.

75 min: A high kick by Daly Cherry-Evans goes through Rob Toia's hands and rolls dead. The Dolphins have a seven-tackle set.

71 min: The Roosters are away down the left as Salesi Foketi finds Billy Smith and he sends it on to Tommy Talau who looks set to race away but Selwyn Cobbo scrambles back and forces him to pass back inside to Hugo Savala who spills it.

70 min: We are back to 13 on 12 as Tom Flegler returns from the bin.

69 min: The Dolphins can't hang on as Mark Nawaqanitawase delivers for Salesi Foketi to steamroll Isaiya Katoa and cross for a try. Hugo Savala converts. Dolphins 26-12

68 min: The Dolphins lose a second man to the sin bin as Morgan Knowles is marched for a hip drop tackle on Siua Wong. It's 13 on 11.

67 min: Injury update - Sam Walker will be sent for scans on an ankle injury and won't return tonight.

66 min: Desperation defence from the Dolphins as the Roosters throw everything at them before Max Plath comes up with a huge hit on Siua Wong to bundle him into touch.

64 min: Hugo Savala grubbers on last play and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki traps and scraps but loses the ball as he rolls over. Roosters scrum 10m out.

62 min: A pushed pass by Hugo Savala sees the Roosters squander their first opportunity with an extra man.

61 min: After the Dolphins were warned for repeat infringements it's Tom Flegler who goes to the sin bin for a professional foul and the Dolphins are down to 12.

58 min: A precise grubber from Daly Cherry-Evans into the in-goal where Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow knocks it dead. The Dolphins go short with the dropout but the Roosters claim it.

53 min: Play is stopped with Sam Walker unable to rise from a leg injury suffered in a tackle by Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. No suggestion of a hip drop. Walker came down awkwardly and looks to be in a lot of pain as he hobbles off.

53 min: A high ball to the corner for Mark Nawaqanitawase to chase but Selwyn Cobbo is safe under the high ball.

51 min: Kurt Donoghoe catches James Tedesco high with a shoulder and goes on report.

48 min: Jeremy Marshall-King throws a big dummy which is fallen for by James Tedesco and the Phins No.9 scampers over from dummy half. That's five straight tries for the Dolphins as they extend the lead to 20 points with Jamayne Isaako's conversion. Dolphins 26-6

47 min: Isaiya Katoa bombs, Jack Bostock climbs high and takes the ball and is tackled immediately. The Dolphins use a captain's challenge and allege a mid-air tackle by Billy Smith. The Phins win the challenge. Penalty Dolphins.

46 min: A freakish flick pass by Mark Nawaqanitawase finds Rob Toia who grubbers into the in-goal but the ball goes touch in goal. Toia was tackled after kicking but the bunker ruled Herbie Farnworth was already committed to the tackle. The Dolphins come away with a seven-tackle set.

43 min: A great contest on a high ball between Jack Bostock the chaser and Billy Smith the defender and it's the Rooster who comes out on top.

Selwyn win situation: The Dolphins' powerhouse winger was all class as he notched a double and broke four tackles. Cobbo gave the Roosters' right edge nightmares as he cashed in on the brilliance of his playmakers to take his season tally to 17 tries.

Half-time: A real statement from the Dolphins as Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa go to work and Selwyn Cobbo cashes in. The Phins enjoyed 58 per cent of possession and completed 21 of 24 sets at 87 per cent.

39 min: More ball-playing brilliance from Kodi Nikorima as his no-look pass puts Max Plath over from close range. Plath drags Rob Toia over with him and slams it down for the Phins' fourth try. Jamayne Isaako converts. Dolphins 20-6

38 min: Mark Nawaqnitawase gets back to clean up a grubber and take it dead. Roosters go long with the dropout.

37 min: Max Plath is tackled without the ball as he looks to support Kodi Nikorima. Penalty Dolphins.

34 min: From the scrum the Dolphins go to their lethal left again where Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima show their sublime skills before the No.6 sends it on to Selwyn Cobbo for another superb finish in the corner. Dolphins 14-6

34 min: Isaiya Katoa's grubber pinballs around near the Roosters line, James Tedesco can't clean it up, the ball rebounds into Ray Stone who knocks it on. Katoa chases through and gets downward pressure on the ball despite Daly Cherry-Evans trying to hold him back. It's NO TRY. The first mistake is by Tedesco so it's a Dolphins scrum 10m out.

32 min: Kurt Donoghoe is caught high by Nat Butcher and the Dolphins start a set from 35m out after the penalty.

30 min: The Dolphins go left from the scrum 10m out with Kodi Nikorima sending it to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who tips it on for Selwyn Cobbo to use all his power and balance to evade Rob Toia and get over in the corner. Jamayne Isaako misses the conversion. Dolphins 10-6

30 min: Isaiya Katoa grubbers from close range and James Tedesco slides in to try and tidy up but he spills it into Sam Walker. Knock on. Dolphins scrum.

29 min: Sam Walker throws a wide ball to Siua Wong on the right edge but the back-rower spills it cold and the Dolphins are hot on the attack.

27 min: James Tedesco tries to grubber on the last tackle but he barely gets a boot to the ball and it is easily cleaned up by the Dolphins.

24 min: Ray Stone hands the ball back to the Roosters as he puts down a pass from Kurt Donoghoe.

23 min: The Roosters concede a penalty late in the count as the ball is stripped from Ray Stone with two in the tackle.

21 min: Kodi Nikorima puts the Dolphins on the front foot with a good run before Isaiya Katoa puts up a pinpoint bomb on last tackle and Herbie Farnworth elevates above James Tedesco to bring the ball down and score his 12th try of the season. Jamayne Isaako converts. 6-6

18 min: Sam Walker again goes to the boot looking for his wide men but Jamayne Isaako has it covered.

15 min: Sam Walker launches a kick to the left side where Jamayne Isaako and Billy Smith compete and the Roosters man knocks on. 

14 min: Tom Flegler goes on report for a crusher tackle.

13 min: On the back of two six-again calls the Dolphins set up camp inside the red zone but the Roosters' defence stands firm and Tom Flegler comes up with a knock on.

10 min: Herbie Farnworth's pass to Selwyn Cobbo is low and the winger puts it down. The Roosters take over on halfway but Naufahu Whyte returns the favour with an error on second tackle.

9 min: Siua Wong goes to the boot but the ball goes out on the full.

6 min: James Tedesco in his comeback game goes to the line and holds up the pass before delivering for Rob Toia who slides past Selwyn Cobbo and crosses for the opening try. Sam Walker converts. Roosters 6-0

5 min: Sam Walker with a chip over the top and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow gets back to cover up well but the Dolphins start a set from their own line.

Late Mail

Roosters: The Roosters are 1-19 with no late changes. James Tedesco returns from the ankle injury that has sidelined him for three games. Cody Ramsey goes to the bench. Nat Butcher starts at lock in place of Victor Radley, who is expected to sit out until finals after suffering a concussion last Sunday. 

Dolphins: No late changes for the Dolphins. Kurt Donoghoe has been added to the bench after initially being listed among the reserves as he returns from a thumb injury suffered in Round 23. After being promoted to the starting side last week in his second NRL match, Brian Pouniu reverts to the bench with Max Plath named in the back row. Connelly Lemuelu (hamstring) remains sidelined and will target a return in week one of the finals.

 

Titans v Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium

Media conferences

King Keaon: The Bunnies back-rower was at his devastating best with 23 runs for 220 metres and an early try as he warmed up for finals footy in tandem with David Fifita (158 run metres and 8 tackle breaks).

Full-time: The Rabbitohs have secured their finals berth and jump to sixth spot for the time being. That's finals footy locked in for Souths for the first time since 2022 and a genuine crack at their first premiership since 2014 with so many of their stars in top form.

80 min: Alex Johnston has a try on the stroke of full-time as Matt Dufty delivers the final pass for the game's greatest ever tryscorer to notch his 29th of the season. That takes Johnston one clear of Tom Jenkins at the top of the tryscoring list. Latrell Mitchell can't convert. Rabbitohs 42-22

77 min: Cody Walker with a deft grubber for Tallis Duncan to gather the ball 10m out and show good speed and strength to get over for a double. Latrell Mitchell converts. Rabbitohs 38-22

76 min: Some light stepping from Jayden Campbell who picks up Oliver Pascoe in support. Sean Keppie comes across in cover and Pascoe hits the ground hard in the tackle. He leaves the field clutching his arm.

72 min: Matt Dufty comes up with a cold drop just over the halfway line, AJ Brimson scoops it up and shows electric speed to race 55m to score. Jayden Campbell converts. Rabbitohs 32-22

71 min: Brilliant short-side play from as Alex Johnston and Latrell Mitchell combine before Mitchell offloads for Tallis Duncan to deny two defenders to get the ball down for a try that could get the Bunnies home. Mitchell fails to convert. Rabbitohs 32-18

70 min: Lachlan Ilias' last-tackle kick is too deep and easily taken on the full by Latrell Mitchell. Souths come away with a seven-tackle set.

68 min: Matt Dufty loses the ball as he tries to get to his feet to play the ball 20m out from his own line and the Rabbitohs are under the pump.

66 min: Brandon Smith is penalised for a high tackle and Souths challenge the call. The bunker watches a replay and not only do South lose the challenge but Smith is put on report.

63 min: Cody Walker puts Jayden Sullivan into space but when Sullivan comes to the fullback he tries to offload but Jayden Campbell intercepts it and the danger is averted for the Titans.

61 min: Latrell Mitchell goes on report for a high shot on Keano Kini.

60 min: Jayden Campbell chases hard and leaps over Alex Johnston and with a clean catch at the ball the Titans five-eighth had a chance to come down with the ball and race away but he can't control it.

58 min: The Titans mount more pressure but Alex Johnston comes up with a good defensive read to jam in on Jaylan De Groot and the ball is turned over.

54 min: The Titans have a third try and are coming hard as Lachlan Ilias kicks across field and Jaylan De Groot climbs high, the ball spills out the back and into Latrell Mitchell before ending up in the hands of Keano Kini who sends it on to Siale Faeamani to cross wide out. Rabbitohs 28-16

52 min: Phil Sami finds some space and is taken high by Jayden Sullivan. The penalty carries the Titans into the red zone.

51 min: He's back! Bunnies superstar Latrell Mitchell is on the field for his first game since Round 11.

51 min: The Titans keep the ball alive with a number of offloads and the ball finishes up with Kurtis Morrin who grubbers towards the corner but it rolls harmlessly into touch.

48 min: On the back of a good charge by Chris Randall, Oliver Pascoe gets into dummy half and burrows over from close range. Jayden Campbell converts. Rabbitohs 28-12

Captain Cam: Coming onto the field as the first interchange for Jai Arrow, Souths skipper Murray channeled the emotion of the occasion to rack up two tries, 129 run metres, six tackle breaks and two try assists.

Half-time: With Cameron Murray, Keaon Koloamatangi and David Fifita showing the way the Rabbitohs produced a blistering opening 25 minutes before taking their foot off the gas slightly. The Rabbitohs completed 22 of 25 sets at 88 per cent and ran for 1063 metres to the Titans' 730 metres.

40 min: The Titans have a late opportunity but Chris Randall comes up with a poor pass and the ball is turned over.

38 min: The Titans go to the left edge but Josh Patston can't handle a pass in traffic from Jayden Campbell and Souths come away.

36 min: Lachlan Ilias' kick is way too deep and easily marked in the in-goal by Jack Wighton who takes a quick tap.

35 min: Jayden Sullivan with a poor kick on the halfway mark that sails out on the full to hand the Titans possession.

34 min: The Titans choose to run the ball on the last tackle and a crash play from Kurtis Morrin sees them turn the ball over 10m out.

32 min: Lachlan Ilias with a nice piece of ball-play and he dishes it up for Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to surge over from 10m out and the Titans are on the board. Jayden Campbell converts. Rabbitohs 28-6

31 min: A line break by AJ Brimson gives the Titans a shot at their first points and a six-again call allows them to set up camp inside the red zone.

26 min: Another touch of class from Cameron Murray as he goes to the line and dummies his way through a hole before powering over the top of Keano Kini who has no chance of stopping the Bunnies skipper. Jayden Sullivan converts. Rabbitohs 28-0

25 min: Jack Wighton nudges a grubber into the in-goal and Campbell Graham chases hard but can't get the ball down before Phil Sami knocks it dead. The Titans go long with the dropout.

21 min: A devastating solo try from David Fifita who brushes aside Jayden Campbell, Moe Fotuaika, Josh Patston, AJ Brimson and Keano Kini on a 75-metre charge to the tryline. Rabbitohs 22-0

19 min: Cameron Murray continues his outstanding start to the game with a clean line break from his own side of halfway before picking up Euan Aitken who sprints away to score. Murray waltzed past Klese Haas who made a feeble attempted tackle. Jayden Sullivan adds the extras. Rabbitohs 18-0

14 min: Cameron Murray gets into first receiver and dishes up a perfect pass for Keaon Koloamatangi to power into a hole and score the Rabbitohs' second try. Jayden Sullivan converts. Rabbitohs 12-0

13 min: Keaon Koloamatangi slips as he comes to the defensive line and Tino Fa'asuamalaui makes contact with his head. Unlucky for the Titans captain but that's a penalty.

12 min: Tino Fa'asuamalaui gets an offload away for Jayden Campbell but it's down around his boots and too hard for Campbell to pick up.

11 min: Souths on the attack but Cody Walker goes in behind his lead runner Brandon Smith who is penalised for obstruction and the Titans come out of trouble.

9 min: Matt Dufty with a safe take and Jaylan De Groot is penalised for tackling him in the air.

7 min: Jayden Sullivan kicks deep and Keano Kini is well rounded up by the Bunnies who put on a good chase.

3 min: Cameron Murray takes a pass from 10m out and powers through Cooper Bai and Josh Patston to score under the posts. Jayden Sullivan converts. Rabbitohs 6-0

2 min: Brandon Smith muscles up in defence and forces a knock on from Keano Kini. The Titans use their captain's challenge and burn it as the bunker supports the ref's call.

You'll never walk alone: A standing ovation for Jai Arrow as he takes the field in his No.13 jersey for the Rabbitohs. A massive crowd is on hand at Cbus Super Stadium and Jai is brought to tears by the reception. He waves to the crowd before kick-off as "You'll Never Walk Alone" rings out around the stadium. Cameron Murray then enters the field with one second taken off the clock and Jai officially has his 99th game as a Rabbitoh locked in.

Late Mail

Titans: Jojo Fifita has dropped out due to a hip pointer injury so Jaylan De Groot moves in to centre and Siale Faeamani comes onto the wing in jersey No.18 with Max Feagai added to the bench. Back-rower Beau Fermor suffered a rib injury against the Sharks and is replaced by Josh Patston who returns from concussion protocols. The Titans will don their Stand with Jai jersey for the special occasion, depicting Arrow during his time on the Gold Coast from 2018 to 2020.

Rabbitohs: The wait is over for Latrell Mitchell after 12 games on the sideline due to nerve issues in his lower back. The superstar will make his return off the bench and looms as a real X-factor as the Bunnies look to secure a finals berth. "He's totally clear to play - there's no needles, no painkillers involved - he's 100 per cent fit," coach Wayne Bennett said on Friday. Jai Arrow is part of the squad in No.23 as he 'plays' his 99th game for the Rabbitohs. Arrow has been named co-captain and will suit up for, and take part in, the opening seconds at Cbus and again in Round 27 to allow him to rack up 100 games for the Bunnies. Mitchell is listed as a reserve and will join the six-man interchange once Arrow has left the field.

Numbers Game

• The Titans have not defeated the Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium since 2009.
• The Rabbitohs have won their last 10 games against the Titans.
• Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 10 tries in his last six games against the Titans.
• Titans winger Phillip Sami has scored 10 tries in his last 11 games.