Round 19 vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs Discussion

[Big Pete]

Dolphins vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Kayo Stadium, Thursday 11 July 2024
Kick Off: 7:50pm

1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Kenny Bromwich

14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O'Sullivan

18. Oryn Keeley 19. Tesi Niu 20. Anthony Milford 21. Mason Teague 22. Robert Jennings

1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi

14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Le Blanc

18. Dion Teaupa 19. Fletcher Myers 20. Siliva Havili 21. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 22. Thomas Fletcher​

 

[Big Pete]

The Dolphins will kick off Round 19 when they play host to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

With Jeremy Marshall-King set to be out of action until September, Max Plath will receive first crack at the #9. Plath will provide plenty of energy at 9 and should help get the team on the front foot.

The dilema for the Dolphins is Plath's ability to get through the 80 minutes and whether they'll have a suitable replacement to help maintain the tempo in the ruck.

It appears that we may see Kodi Nikorima shift there with O'Sullivan joining the action, or Stone may give Plath a quick spell.

When Marshall-King injury happened, most casual supporters would have presumed that Harrison Graham would come into the team. Unfortunately Harrison suffered an injury a couple of months ago against Burleigh and has yet to be seen since.

Regardless, it's just a matter of whether the Dolphins can find their rhythm. If they can work through their sets, they can trouble anyone on their day and they should be up for this contest.

 

[Big Pete]

Dolphins 36 (Jack Bostock, Tevita Pangai Jr, Herbie Farnworth, Kodi Nikorima, Sean O'Sullivan, Trai Fuller tries; Jamayne Isaako 6/6 goals) def. South Sydney Rabbitohs 28

9-7

Phins Up!

The Dolphins rediscovered their mojo, piling on 36 points in what turned out to be a high scoring affair. The Rabbitohs were always going to prove a handful with Wighton and Walker in fine touch, but the Dolphins ability to work the ball out of trouble enabled them to play an up tempo style and they were able to find success through the middle third of the South Sydney defence.

Pangai Jr had his best performance to date for the Dolphins, running for 176m, scoring a try and throwing three critical offloads to spark the Dolphins attack. If he continues this rich vein of form, the signing could prove a major turning point in the Dolphins season.

Plath stood up in Marshall-King's absence and was pugnacious as ever out of dummy half. Plath went desperately close to scoring in the first half and his style suited the Dolphins up tempo play.

O'Sullivan eventually filled in at 9, but it was short lived as Nikorima had to come from the field due to a shoulder complaint.

The only issue with the performance was the edge defence. The Rabbitohs were able to strip the Dolphins with ease out-wide and actually equalled the Dolphins for tries scored. Both sides were guilty of misreading the play or failing their assignments and it's something they'll need to address if they're going to make a charge towards the premiership.

Outside of the shoulder concern to Kodi Nikorima, it appears that Euan Aitken tore his pectorial which would likely spell the end of his season. It'll be a disappointing end to a fine stint at the club, Aitken has typified the Dolphins resolve and been valuable member of the team. Hopefully he has a speedy recovery and can get back to his best.

 

[Puff]

Keeps us in the hunt. We should get there from here. Injuries are taking their toll unfortunately.