Round 3 vs. Newcastle Knights Discussion

[Big Pete]

Newcastle Knights vs. Dolphins
McDonald Jones Stadium, Friday 17 March 2023
Kick Off: 5:00pm (AEST)

1. Lachlan Miller 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Brodie Jones 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Leo Thompson

14. Ryan Rivett 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Johns 17. Dylan Lucas

18. Enari Tuala 19. Greg Marzhew 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Ben Talty 22. Thomas Cant

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O'Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Kodi Nikorima 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tom Gilbert

14. Connelly Lemuelu 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe

18. Mason Teague 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. JJ Collins 21. Anthony Milford 22. Robert Jennings​

 

[Big Pete]

Kodi Nikorima and Ray Stone have been selected for the Dolphins first ever away game. Stone has returned a week ahead of schedule after injurying his knee against the Roosters, while Kodi Nikorima is set to replace the suspended Jeremy Marshall-King at dummy half.

They'll come up against a Newcastle Knights side missing a host of players. Kalyn Ponga, Tyson Frizell, Jacob Saifiti, Jayden Brailey, Adam Elliott, Kurt Mann among others. The Knights were gallant against the Wests Tigers and they'll be looking to take that form into Friday's game.

It's going to be a test for the Dolphins. I believe this will be the first time they go in as favourites and considering the talent they may not play their best game of footy. With the big local derby set for next week, they'll have to be switched on.

Hopefully they'll learn from last week and hold onto the footy. The Dolphins found themselves under all sorts of pressure because of unnecessary passes so they'll have to be patient and get through their sets. I'm interested to see how they attack Newcastle, the Knights have been gritty to start the year so those left-side raids may not be as effective. The Warriors did have some success going left then targeting the middle, I'm curious if we'll see the Hammer link in-field or if the wingers come in-field at some point.

 

[Big Pete]

Wallace will miss the game due to 'personal reasons'. Lemuelu has been named in the starting pack with Teague coming onto the bench.

Poasa Faamausili & Robert Jennings remain as the reserves.

 

[Puff]

3-0 in coming boys

 

[MugaB]

3-0 in coming boys

Dont get too cocky, remember the knights have those niggling halves, that are rough as guts, and we've got nikorima in at hooker (he'll do a job) but missing JMK wont help the team progress, might be a scrappy game, we'll win if the forwards can make considerable metres tonight, keep the pressure on the knights, just hope kodi can keep them going straight, not sideways, he can be dangerous, but he often tries his hand too much, being an ex half, he just has to simplify his role and stick to being a dummy half 2nite

 

[Big Pete]

Dolphins 36 (Tesi Niu 3, Jamayne Isaako 2, Kodi Nikorima, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow tries; Jamayne Isaako 4/7) def. Newcastle Knights 20

3-0

The Dolphins have kept their unbeaten record alive prevailing against a brave Knights team, 36-20.

It was the Dolphins first away win and despite some nervous moments, they were able to keep their composure and finish the game in style.

They trailed 18-16 shortly after the break, but a quality pass from Bromwich to O'Sullivan put the Dolphins in motion and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow kept his cool to claim the try.

'Phin Diesel' Felise Kaufusi was sent to the sin-bin for a late hit on Jackson Hastings. It worked out in the Dolphins favour as Hastings had to come from the field for an HIA. Hastings' replacement turned the ball over and after a fantastic bat on, Isaako was able to score a fantastic try to put the game to bed.

Then in the dying stages Isaiya Katoa added the cherry on top with a smart kick behind the line for Isaako to score.

The Dolphins completed at 87% and it was that ability to get through their sets and put pressure on the Knights back three that was crucial to their success.

Onto Brisbane for the first ever derby.

 

[to_ddeath]

Great spirit to get up & take the game with 12 out there…PHINS UP & onward to Suncorpse next week

 

[some11]

lol the knights popping off last week after beating a bunch of spastics before running into a real team.

 

[Puff]

Never in doubt