Phins’ stars return for Warriors clash

Pictures courtesy Dolphins NRL

Dolphins welcome back their Origin stars for tomorrow’s blockbuster clash against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium (3pm).

A huge crowd is expected, with Warriors’ having a large fan base in South East Queensland, as third-placed Dolphins face the side one place and two points above them.

“This one (game) is going to be outstanding,” Phins’ coach Kristian Woolf says, “we’re hoping for over 40,000 people. Tickets are tracking really well.

“We know what Warriors’ fans bring. They’re great for the game. I hope there’s just as many Phins fans. That’s what makes it a great occasion and a great challenge.

“The Warriors have been really consistent for the last two years, play a good consistent style of footy and be prepared to match their physicality.”

Dolphins enter Round 17 with seven successive NRL victories behind them. Ironically, the last to deny Kristian Woolf’s team were the Warriors in Round 8.

Selwyn Cobbo, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Flegler are back in Dolphins’ starting line-up, along with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who was 20th man for Queensland.

Max Plath, who made his debut for the Maroons, starts from the bench tomorrow. Isayia Katoa also returns after missing last week’s 36-22 win at Tigers through injury.

“I think it was the right call (to rest the Origin players) last week,” Woolf said.

“It was a tough Origin game and I was really proud of our blokes. I thought they were some of the best players on the field. It was great to see and enjoyable to watch.

“I had full confidence in the blokes we had (against Tigers) and they got the job done for us. Really good to be back to full strength this week.

“I don’t know if it is a litmus test (for Dolphins). It’s second against third and we’re both there for a reason. I’m confident it will be a high-level of footy.”

Woolf said Dolphins were continuing to work on a new offer for Kodi Nikorima describing him as “the sort of man we want around the club”.

“He’s playing some of his best footy. It’s something we’d like to get done and there’s a desire from him as well.

“There’s always restraints from the salary cap but if we can figure it out we will.”

Dolphins have confirmed Jake Averillo will leave at the end of this season and is set to join another NRL side.

Averillo has made 54 appearances and scored 28 tries for Dolphins since joining in 2024.