Dolphins outplayed at Magic Round 2025

Image: Courtesy of NRL Imagery.

A spirited fightback from the Dolphins NRL side was not enough to beat a red-hot Roosters team at Suncorp Stadium in the prime-time, Friday night game for Magic Round.

The Roosters won 36-26. James Tedesco was at his devastating best and was awarded the Artie Legacy medal.

The Dolphins were without Max Plath, Daniel Saifiti, Kurt Donoghoe and Felise Kaufusi due to injury, and struggled to make metres up the field at times up against strong Roosters defence.

The Roosters scored three tries in just over 20 minutes in the first half but the Dolphins’ Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s try just before half-time, and a penalty goal, put them back within striking distance (14-8) at the break.

The Roosters started the second half fast and furious, scoring three tries in 10 minutes, but the Dolphins scored three in 10 minutes in a spirited fightback from the 66^th minute.

Head Coach Kristian Woolf said they did not defend to their standard and agreed their attack was flat at times.

It's something he said they would need to get to the bottom of as they prepare to face the Eels in Sydney for their round 10 clash on Thursday night.