Dolphins Reddy to ‘give it everything’

Rising Dolphins NRL star Kurt Donoghoe says regardless of whether his team are playing for a spot in the finals, they will give it everything to get the win for their club, fans and each other when they face the Raiders at their spiritual home – Redcliffe – on Sunday.

The Dolphins’ finals hopes hinge on Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs beating the Roosters and the Dolphins overcoming minor premiers, Canberra, in the final round of the regular season.

It’s a remarkable scenario, given the Dolphins were 0-4 at the start of the year and have lost a large chunk of their top 30 squad to injury this season.

Fans will be keen to see their team play with the heart that has kept them in the contest, despite challenges that would have decimated other clubs.

The Raiders will be resting 10 players for the game at Kayo Stadium (2pm kick off).

Donoghoe says the message from Dolphins Head Coach Kristian Woolf has been to focus on what they can control.

“Just to treat this week like every other week ... enjoy it, prepare and don’t worry about the game on Friday night ... just to get the job done, no matter what,” he said after training today.

“We’re just preparing the best we can to win (on) Sunday. We’re not too worried about the result ... (if the Roosters) win or lose obviously we’d be happy but, for us, we just need to prepare as best we can to win on Sunday and that’s all that matters,” he said after training today.

“They (Canberra) are still a quality side and they’ve still got some strong core players there. It’s still going to be a tough game.”

The clash will be a chance for fans to farewell players leaving the club at the end of the season, including Redcliffe junior Josh Kerr.

“It could be a few boys’ last games with us ... that was another point Woolfy had ... he wants us to go out there and give it everything. It could be our last game, it could be a farewell to some boys. We’re going to do it for them as well,” Donoghoe said.

Dolphins’ team changes

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been named to return to the side after overcoming an ankle injury but missed training today due to illness. Connelly Lemuelu is out with a low-grade knee injury.

Star centre Herbie Farnworth remains an outside chance to play.

He has been included on the extended bench as he eyes a comeback from a hamstring injury that sidelined him in round 22.

Farnworth was put through his paces this morning, before joining the squad in training but left the session early.

“He’s just got to tick a couple of boxes. I’m not actually too sure how he’s going but from what I’ve heard, if he ticks a couple of boxes, he’ll be right. We’ll find out closer to the game,” Donoghoe said

“He’s a gun. If we can get him in there, happy days, but we’ll see how he goes. First and foremost, we just want to make sure he’s OK. If he can’t play, fine, we’ll get the job done for him.”