Determined Dolphins in big Suncorp win

Dolphins NRL Coach Kristian Woolf is proud of the way his side continues to overcome adversity to win despite a mounting injury toll, claiming a big win over South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium.

The Dolphins beat the Rabbitohs 50-28, despite a second-half fightback from their opponents who were down 30-6 at the halftime break.

See the photo gallery from the game at the end of this story.

“We’ve had a great four or five-week block and we’ve certainly playing with some confidence. What I liked the most is we’re just overcoming adversity all the time and it just says so much about the group and how much they mean to each other and that’s great to watch,” Woolf says.

The Dolphins win followed a 26-20 loss to the Knights last round, but an exception preceding three weeks in which they scored 158 points in three rounds with just 18 points scored against them.

“I’m really proud about the way we bounced back (from last week’s loss). You could tell through the week that we had a different intent about us,” Woolf says.

“We had a great session on Wednesday which was one of the best sessions we’ve had for a fair while. I knew we were ready to go and you could see in the early exchanges (against Souths) we were as well.”

Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored four tries against Souths in his 100^th NRL game, as about 30 family and friends watched on.

“I’m really happy for him. He’s such a big player for us, he’s someone who’s really respected in the group, he’s just such a genuine person … he’s one of our highest profile players, but just the way he treats everyone and carries himself within the group … he’s outstanding,” Woolf said.

When asked if Tabuai-Fidow was motivated to put in a strong performance to convince Maroons Coach Billy Slater to give him the No.1 jersey, Woolf was quick to respond.

“He wasn’t real happy with himself last week. I could see through the week that he wanted to make amends for that. Playing 100 games, coming off a loss, playing front of his family … I think that’s what he’d be concerned about and he did a great job,” he said.

Jeremy Marshall-King, Jake Averillo, Kurt Donoghoe and Kodi Nikorima also scored tries for the Dolphins.

The only sour note was a hamstring injury to Kodi Nikorima just before halftime. Nikorima and Katoa have been blistering in attack in recent weeks, so his loss will be keenly felt by the side which already has six key players out with injury.

“He’s obviously got a strain there … you don’t know until you get it scanned but I’d expect that’s going to be somewhere between a month and six weeks (out of the game),” Woolf said.

Katoa, who relished captaining a winning side for the first time, was again impressive.

“He’s been really consistent, a real leader for us, he’s obviously pivotal to our attack … I just really like the way he’s leading from the front at the moment,” Woolf said.

“He’s growing in confidence, he’s realising his impact on the team, he’s developing into an exceptional leader. I’m really proud of him, I’m proud of the way he’s developing.”

Katoa says the squad has learnt from the past two seasons, which saw their performances fade as injuries and suspensions took their toll.

“As a team, our mindset (is) just having a next-man-up mentality. You’ve got Kurt there, who’s played about six or seven different positions in the last month of footy. Guys like Ray (Stone), playing busted, Jeremy playing 80 (minutes) tonight. Everyone’s just putting their hands up,” he said.

“No-one’s sitting there making excuses about all the injuries we have. We’re just getting on with our work and focused on who we have in the team and how we can come away with a win.”

The Dolphins have a bye next week, which will give them a chance to rest and reset.

“The feeling of going into a winning dressing room and just know that you can actually relax for a week is really good,” Woolf said.

Photo gallery 

By Dominika Lis