3 minute read
The Dolphins will be desperate to snap a two-game losing streak when they take on a resurgent South Sydney Rabbitohs side on Thursday night.
The clash at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe could have huge ramifications for both sides as they attempt to finish in the top eight and play finals.
The Dolphins are still in a strong position despite losing the last two games, and can be backed at 2.00 to make the top eight.
However they cannot afford many more slip ups as the ladder is tight and they need to bounce back against the Rabbitohs.
Souths are making a late dart for the eight after winning five on the bounce, and are 4.50 to force their way in there.
However a loss to the Dolphins would stop them in their tracks and put a big dent in their finals hopes.
The clash has an added twist as Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett will be returning to coach South Sydney next season.
So it is a huge game in Redcliffe and the perfect start to another bumper week of NRL action.
. What: Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs
. Where: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
. When: 19:50 (AEST), Thursday 11th July 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Dolphins 1.78, South Sydney Rabbitohs 2.05
Duo ruled out for Dolphins
The Dolphins had a week off due to the bye, and it may have come at just the right time after they slipped to back-to-back defeats.
They will have had time to rest and lick their wounds and should be ready to go again when the bunnies arrive in Redcliffe.
However the Dolphins will be missing star duo Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi, who are both on State of Origin duty with Queensland.
Wayne Bennett's side will also be without the injured Jeremy Marshall-King and suspended Kurt Donoghoe.
There is some better news however as star winger Jack Bostock is set to return after missing the defeat against the Dragons through concussion.
Kayo Stadium has proven to be a happy home for the Dolphins, winning three out of the five games they have played at the Redcliffe venue.
They will be gunning for win number four and can be backed at 3.35 to win by 13+ points.
Massive Mitchell blow for bunnies
South Sydney Rabbitohs are on a roll after winning the last five games on the bounce and they need to keep it going to make finals.
However their chances of making the eight have suffered a massive blow with the news that star fullback Latrell Mitchell is facing a spell on the sidelines.
Mitchell could be out for weeks after picking up a foot injury and he will be a big loss.
Souths will also be missing captain Cameron Murray who is in the New South Wales squad for the Origin decider.
It is not all bad news however as forwards Tevita Tatola and Siliva Havili are on track to return to action and could figure.
The Rabbitohs have played the Dolphins just once and managed to come out on top last season, winning by 22 points.
That game was at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and a trip to Redcliffe will hold no fear for the bunnies.
Souths can be backed at 3.60 to win by 1-12 points.
