While they remain in top eight, the Dolphins will be looking to flip their recent form around and avoid a third-straight loss when they host the in-form Rabbitohs at Kayo Stadium.
Coming into this week’s opening Round 19 match fresh from a bye, the Dolphins will have to contend with a Bunnies side who have bounded back into form in recent weeks off the back of five wins on the bounce and have plenty of confidence in the squad.
However, both sides will be missing some of their brightest stars due to Origin duty with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi selected for Queensland from the Dolphins and Rabbitohs skipper Cam Murray picked in the NSW squad for the decider.
The Bunnies will also be without fullback Latrell Mitchell who picked up a foot injury in his last game. However, forwards Tevita Tatola and Siliva Havili could be on track for a return.
The injury concerns for the Dolphins continue to grow, with hooker Jeremy Marshall-King out for the long-term, while back-up hooker Kurt Donoghoe is suspended for three matches. In good news however, try-scoring winger Jack Bostock is set to return after sitting out their last loss due to concussion protocols.
Stat Attack
- The Dolphins have won three from five at Kayo Stadium.
- The Rabbitohs have scored 28 tries to 12 in their past five games.
- Dolphins forward Kenny Bromwich will make his 250th NRL appearance.
- Rabbitohs winger Jacob Gagai has scored six tries in eight NRL games.
- The Dolphins have conceded at least 24 points in each of their last five games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.