Dolphins to ‘flush’ Roosters’ savaging ahead of Broncs battle

The Dolphins NRL side will look to ‘flush’ their round 23 savaging by the Roosters ahead of their Battle For Brisbane against the Broncos this weekend.

After this morning’s training session, Prop Mark Nicholls said Head Coach Kristian Woolf’s message was simple, following their 64-12 loss to the Roosters.

“I think he was pretty keen for us to flush it. He sort of said that one result won’t define our season, but what we do this week and the next few weeks will,” Nicholls said.

“If we let it become a habit, then it’s probably going to be a poor ending to our season. If we can make it a one-off, then that’s what it will be … a one-off.

“We watched a little bit of it (a replay of the game) … there probably wasn’t much to take out of that game … we’ll just try to flush it and move on a quick as we can.”

The loss to the Roosters was a spiteful encounter with Dolphins Francis Molo and Aublix Tawha, and Roosters Spencer Leniu and Naufahu Whyte sent to the sin bin in the ninth minute.

During the post-game press conference, Woolf said he didn’t understand why his two players were sent off, saying the incident was instigated by Leniu and Whyte.

“The opposition score, two of their players come over … we’re standing in the dead ball area and two guys come over pushing and shoving and shaping up. I don’t know what our blokes are supposed to do,” Woolf said.

“I’d ask the question there, do we have to allow ourselves to get punched to not get sin binned, when there’s a man standing in front of you with his hands up ready to … shaping up. I don’t know what our blokes are supposed to do.”

It proved to be a costly game with Francis Molo suspended for one match (careless high tackle) and fined $1000 (contrary conduct) and Kurt Donoghoe fined $3000 (shoulder charge) and Aublix Tawha fined $1000 (contrary conduct).

Nicholls said players were sticking up for each other, but it came at a cost and there are lessons to be learnt.

“Once you run in, you know there’s a chance that you can go to the bin. I think the thing that confused everyone was the ref’s audio saying find two and two,” he said.

“I think anyone at the game at the weekend could feel the heat. It was sort of brewing for a bit. I guess, in the ref’s defence, he probably thought if he sent a couple off and made a statement it might settle everyone down for the rest of the game.

“Unfortunately for us, the Roosters settled down and played some footy and we didn’t.”

Battle-ready

The Battle for Brisbane will bring its own feeling to round 24, with the Dolphins and Brisbane playing for more than bragging rights – a top-eight spot is on the line.

Nicholls, 35, said his side will be better equipped to keep a lid on emotions when they face their cross-town rivals this weekend.

“I think, for us, we learnt a lesson. There’s no point winning the fight if you’re not going to win the game of footy. Footy’s a physical game and every team, and especially every forward pack is trying to assert their dominance over the other team because it goes a long way to winning a game of footy,” he said.

“There’s no point getting all fired up and trying to put big hits on and start fights or stick up for mates and run in, and whatnot, if you’re not going to win the game of footy.”

The Dolphins will be without eight key players due to injury and suspension. Ray Stone suffered a knock to his hand in round 23 but is expected to play. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is also battling fitness after his return from a broken thumb last week and Max Feagai missed training today with shoulder issue. He too is expected to play.

The team will be announced this afternoon.

The Dolphins play the Broncos on Saturday (5.30pm kick off).

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By Dominika Lis