NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Dolphins

Author: Harrison Frater
Timestamp: Wed 26 Apr 2023, 04:42 PM

The Toyota Forklift Raiders will take on the Dolphins on Saturday afternoon in Wagga Wagga as they look to make it three wins in a row.

After coming off a bye last weekend, the Raiders will look to build off their consecutive 20-14 wins against the Broncos and Dragons in previous games to push into the top eight if they manage to defeat Dolphins.

Playing our fourth game in five years at McDonalds Park in Wagga Wagga this weekend, the Raiders take on the Dolphins for the second time this season after going down in their first clash by six points.

The Raiders will be fresh and raring to go in their round nine clash after coming off a bye last weekend, hoping to continue the trend of the 2023 season which has seen majority of teams that have come off the bye going on to win their subsequent game.

With the Dolphins narrowly overcoming the Raiders in their round two clash earlier this year, the Raiders will look to take a lot from that hard-fought loss and bounce back against the new team in their inaugural season of the competition.

Ricky Stuart has made one change to the team following the side’s win against the Dragons two weeks ago, with Jordan Rapana recovering from his category one HIA and replacing the injured Nick Cotric on the wing.

The Dolphins have only made one change after their comeback win against the Titans last week, with Kenny Bromwich returning from his suspension, moving Herman Ese’ese to the bench.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Saturday 29 Apr

Full Time

Raiders

Dolphins

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sebastian Kris

Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Albert Hopoate

Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker

Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Euan Aitken
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko

Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Brenko Lee
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan Rapana

Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Robert Jennings
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton

Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii

Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Zac Woolford

Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine

Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Kenneath Bromwich
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young

2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead

2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh

Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Tom Gilbert

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling

Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Jarrod Wallace
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler

Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Pasami Saulo

Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Herman Ese'ese
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Corey Harawira-Naera

Interchange for Dolphins is number 18 Kurt Donoghoe

Reserves

Replacement for Raiders is number 18 James Schiller

Replacement for Dolphins is number 19 Poasa Faamausili

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:05 PM

Last time they met

The Raiders went down to the Dolphins in a close encounter 20-14 at Redcliffe last time they met back in round two of this year.

Key Matchups

Sebastian Kris v Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

The battle of the fullbacks will be a pivotal element to success on the weekend, with both players more than capable of inspiring their teams to wins.

With the Dolphins conceding an average of 24 points per game this season, Kris’ hard running and determination can allow for many scoring opportunities to come for the Raiders.

With Kris filling in at fullback, he has continuously improved each week as he learns the ins and outs of the position and how to exploit opposition’s defence.

Scoring a try and nine tackle breaks in his last game against the Dragons, his potential and liveliness on the ball makes him one to keep an eye on.

Kris’s opposite number Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is also finding his feet in his first season at fullback.

The 21-year-old will keep the Raiders defensive line on their toes, scoring eight tries in eight games this season along with two try assists.

Tabuai-Fidow has played a big role in their five wins this season, thriving under new coach Wayne Bennett and securing himself a deal until 2027 at the Dolphins.

Hudson Young v Felise Kaufusi

Putting his heart on his sleeve, Hudson Young is a consistent performer for the Raiders as he hones the ability to turn the game on its head in a flash.

Running the length of the field after a one-on-one strip to win the game against the Dragons in round seven is just one of many examples why Young is the backbone of the Raiders team.

Combined with his 14 tries last season, Young has scored three tries in his past four games thanks to his strong ball running close to the line.

Making his comeback from his suspension last weekend, Felise Kaufusi showed why he is instrumental to his team, running for 132 metres against the Titans.

Winning all four games that he played for the team this year, his hard-hitting capabilities make him a strike force at the ready for the Dolphins that can change the momentum of the game in a split second.

With both players possessing the ability to give their team the upper hand, Young and Kaufusi will be key to their respective team’s win on the weekend.

Corey Horsburgh v Tom Gilbert

With Ricky Stuart promoting Corey Horsburgh to the starting lock position in their last two games, there’s no coincidence that his monster performances have put him in the conversation for Origin contention.

Playing 70 minutes and averaging over 103 running metres in the past two games, “Big Red” is the heart and soul of the Raiders forward pack as he powers his way through his opposition.

Making key tackles and forcing errors, Horsburgh relishes the big moments but also ensures his work rate never fatigues, making 40 tackles in his last two games starting at lock.

Opposite him is the young Tom Gilbert who has found his own at his new club.

Gilbert averages over 127 running metres, but his hard work and team spirit make him such a threat to other teams.

Claiming five wins this season, Gilbert is influential to the team’s flow in both attack and defence as they look to claim the win on the weekend.