3 minute read
The Dolphins need to get their top-eight push back on track when they entertain the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.
Wayne Bennett's side slipped out of the eight last week following their fifth defeat in the last six games, and need to bounce back.
With games against the Bulldogs and Storm up next, it is crucial that the Dolphins pick up two points on home soil.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are also fighting to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
They are five points behind the Dragons, who occupy eighth spot, and with the games fast running out, two points are a must.
With so much at stake for both sides, we could be in for a cracker of a game at Suncorp.
. What: Dolphins v New Zealand Warriors
. Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
. When: 14:00 (AEST), Sunday 11th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Dolphins 1.44, New Zealand Warriors 2.80
Dolphins must stop rot
The Dolphins have had a great season and up until last weekend they had not been outside of the top eight.
Wayne Bennett's men have picked a bad time to go on a losing streak and they must arrest the slide quickly if they are to make finals.
Defence has been an issue for the Dolphins as they have conceded at least 21 points in the last nine games.
It needs to tighten up over the remaining games, starting against the Warriors.
Attack has not been an issue however, and the Dolphins are loaded with players that can hurt the opposition and the scoreboard.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been a revelation this season when scoring 12 tries in the 11 games he has played in. The fullback is 6.50 to score the first try of the game.
The Dolphins have also been boosted by the news winger Jamayne Isaako has recovered from an ankle injury and will be able to play.
Isaako has scored four tries in three games against the Warriors, and is 1.87 to score again at anytime.
Must-win for Warriors
The Warriors need to pull off a win on Sunday to keep their finals hopes alive.
They have done it once already this season when beating the Dolphins 24-20. It could be a close one once again and the Warriors are 7.50 to win by 1-5 points.
Suncorp has not been a happy hunting ground for them however. Indeed it has been graveyard.
They have lost five of their past six trips to the venue and will need to be at their best to snap that losing streak.
Shaun Johnson has announced he will retire at the end of the season, so the Warriors will be determined to send their star playmaker out on a high.
Johnson is back in the side following an Achilles injury and can be backed at 4.25 to score a try at anytime.
