Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Prediction | 2026 NRL | Regular Season
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The Dolphins just missed out on a top eight finish last season, whilst South Sydney Rabbitohs disappointed with only nine wins from 24 matches.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Channel 9 / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – 9Now / 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
The Dolphins welcome back their captain as Tom Gilbert returns to action following the pectoral injury which ruled him out of over half of last season, whilst new winger Selwyn Cobbo is set to make his Dolphins debut.
Squad: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiya Katoa, Tom Gilbert, Kurt Donoghoe, Thomas Flegler, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Bradley Schneider, Oryn Keeley, Felise Kaufusi, Trai Fuller, Sebastian Su'a, Brent Woolf, Lewis Symonds, Tevita Naufahu, Brian Pouniu
Team lists for round one can be found here
South Sydney Rabbitohs team news
Cameron Murray leads South Sydney Rabbitohs into battle but the visitors will not be able to call upon the suspended Jamie Humphreys, although both David Fifita and Bronson Garlick should debut for the Rabbitohs.
Squad: Jye Gray, Alex Johnston, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Cody Walker, Ashton Ward, Tevita Tatola, Bronson Garlick, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Euan Aitken, Cameron Murray, Peter Mamouzelos, Tallis Duncan, Lachlan Hubner, Sean Keppie, Jayden Sullivan, Moala Graham-Taufa, Liam Le Blanc, Thomas Fletcher, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Team lists for round one can be found here
Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction
This is likely to wind up being battle between the Dolphins’ attack and the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ backline which forms the strongest part of their squad. They will be key to the success of the visiting side this season after a poor 2025. The new signings should make a positive impact and South Sydney could end up frustrating the Dolphins, who need to be aware of the weapons possessed by their opponents going forward as well.
South Sydney Rabbitohs should look to soak up pressure and enforce a physical game upon the hosts, sapping their energy and potentially try and hit them in the second half as play perhaps opens up. Either way, it’s unlikely that we’ll see a hugely high-scoring encounter and backing under 43.5 total points appears a shrewd move.
Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs tip: Under 43.5 total points
