Plath is ready to ‘rip in’ against Warriors

Dolphins’ young gun Max Plath is ready to ‘rip in’ against a fired-up Warriors team at Suncorp Stadium this weekend. It’s a must-win game for the Phins, if they are to stay in the hunt for a maiden finals berth.

Plath who is fast-gaining a reputation as a player who does just that – week after week – says he is expecting the Warriors to muscle up on Sunday (kick off 2pm) following this week’s announcement that star halfback Shaun Johnson will retire at the end of the season.

But the Dolphins have their own Kiwi international to honour, by securing a place in the finals, with skipper Jesse Bromwich also hanging up the boots at the end of this year.

It sets the scene for a clash that will hopefully bring out the best in both sides in round 23.

“You’ve got to bring your shoulders warmed up to play the Warriors. They’re a physical team. We’re looking forward to it,” Plath says.

“They’ve still got a stacked team across the park. With Shaun Johnson announcing his retirement, I think they’re going to be firing and trying to prove a point for sure.

“I think first of all, Shaun Johnson is a big threat. They’re a very physical up-front team coming out of their end. We’ve got to nullify that.

“You’ve also got to consider Barnett, he’s had a massive year, and Fonua-Blake. (We have to) slow those fellas down and put pressure on Egan and Shaun Johnson ... compete every play. That’s our game plan ... outwork them.”

See photos from today’s Dolphins training session at end of this story

‘We’re going to turn it around’

The Dolphins have fallen short in recent weeks, struggling to maintain intensity and execution for 80 minutes.

“The good teams are relentless, and they hold that full standard for the full 80. We know what it is. We’ve been talking about it for a while and we’re going to turn it around. We’ve just got to show it on Sunday,” Plath says.

“We’ve got the determination and the character to show up for each other. It will come up to a win ... we just need to keep chipping away. I’ve got full belief in the boys; we’re going to rip in this weekend and get a win for Redcliffe and the Dolphins.”

Plath, 22, made his NRL debut in round 14 last June against the Warriors, and will line up against them for the fourth time on Sunday.

Since then, he’s played 18 games for the Dolphins; scoring five tries and making 649 tackles (94.9 per cent efficiency).

The former Wynnum Manly Seagulls player caught the attention of the Dolphins in the Queensland Cup in 2022-23, scoring nine tries in 17 games.

Plath was signed on a three-year deal in 2023, which has since been extended until the end of 2027.

Handy addition

He’s a clever utility who can play in the halves, at hooker or at lock – versatility which has come in handy with Dolphins’ hooker Jeremy Marshall-King sidelined with a foot injury since the beginning of July.

“It’s been a new experience. It was challenging the first couple of games, getting used to getting out at hooker and trying to fill that hole that Jeremy (Marshall-King) left there,” Plath says.

“I’m trying to do my best. It’s still hard to replicate what Jeremy does at hooker – he’s a world class hooker. I’m just trying to make my tackles and do what I can do around the effort areas and trying to get good service.”

Marshall-King has been helping Plath step into the role.

“He’s a really smart player and has helped me a lot with little pointers and he’s really honest with me, which I appreciate,” Plath says.

The Dolphins have battled through a significant injury toll again this season but remain nineth on the ladder. They will be hoping not to lose two more players for Sunday’s clash.

Jamayne Isaako and Tevita Pangai Junior have been named to play and will have until Saturday to prove their fitness.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow trained for the full session today, after finishing early on Tuesday.

Photo gallery from training today

By Dominika Lis