Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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A crucial Queensland derby kicks off the round at Suncorp Stadium, with both the Dolphins and the North Queensland Cowboys desperate to keep their finals aspirations alive.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Dolphins team news
Maroons star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns at fullback with Jake Averillo shifting to the wing. Connelly Lemuelu starts in the back row after Kulikefu Finefeuiaki was ruled out with a broken thumb. Mark Nicholls will be rested due to concussion protocols with Harrison Graham and Peter Hola joining the bench.
Squad: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jake Averillo 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Ray Stone 16. Josh Kerr 17. Peter Hola 18. Tevita Naufahu 19. Kenny Bromwich 20. LJ Nonu 21. Trai Fuller 22. Ryan Jackson
North Queensland Cowboys team news
Jordan McLean is out with an ankle injury with Thomas Mikaele to start at prop, while Kaiden Lahrs comes onto the bench. Jaxson Paulo comes onto the wing for his third game of the year with Robert Derby dropping to the reserves. Jake Clifford remains sidelined with a quad injury, with Jaxson Purdue at five-eighth, while John Bateman’s return from a groin injury has been delayed another week.
Squad: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Braidon Burns 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Ryan Rivett 19. Robert Derby 20. Temple Kalepo 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Dane Aukafolau
Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys prediction
The Dolphins (10th) are looking to bounce back from a 24-12 loss to the Cronulla Sharks in Round 19. Their form has been inconsistent and they need a win to stay in touch with the top eight.
The North Queensland Cowboys (12th) suffered a tough 12-8 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs last week, their second consecutive loss. Their recent form has seen them slide down the ladder and they now face the proverbial must win match.
Dolphins English centre Herbie Farnworth has scored 10 tries in his past 11 games.
Cowboys hooker Reece Robson has been a workhorse in defence for the Cowboys, amassing 600 tackles this season. Look for him to run late in the match against a tiring Dolphins defence and possibly snatch a try.
In their earlier meeting this season (Round 15), the Dolphins dismantled the Cowboys in a stunning 58-4 demolition. The Dolphins have won 3 of their 5 encounters since entering the competition, although the Cowboys have won both matches at Suncorp Stadium.
The Cowboys will be seeking redemption after their humiliating Round 15 loss. However, the Dolphins' potent attack, led by the return of electric fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, will test a Cowboys defence that has shown vulnerability of late.
Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys tip: Dolphins to win by 13+
