Woolf: ‘that’s a great challenge for us’
Both the Dolphins and Bulldogs NRL teams will be without key players for their round 12 clash in Sydney tomorrow night, but Dolphins Head Coach Kristian Woolf is not expecting a depleted opponent.
“What we’re expecting is what they show every week. They work little things … their effort plays are very big. They work on a kick-chase game. They work really hard … how they keep you pinned on your own try line … they’re a very defensive-based team but they’ve got a real system about them that challenges you with attack as well,” Woolf says.
“We’re going to have to really good in those areas and they’re things that we pride ourselves on too. I think if we can match them in those areas, we’ve certainly got the class that we can make the most of our opportunities as well.”
Woolf says the Dolphins showed plenty of heart in their 16-12 loss to the Warriors last week.
It’s something they can harness as they prepare to take on the competition’s ladder leaders.
“I was really happy with our commitment last week. I thought we defended really well. I thought we showed a real commitment. If we clean up our errors, clean up our discipline, we put ourselves in the contest (this week),” he says.
“We’ve got some guys out there who are getting a lot more opportunity through our injuries and disruption … they’re showing that same heart and they’re showing they want to be a big part of the team and they’re getting better every week doing that.
“That’s what we want the team to be about.”
The Dolphins haven’t beaten the Bulldogs since entering the NRL competition in 2023, but that too was the case before they notched up victories against the Panthers and Storm this year.
“We haven’t played them (the Bulldogs) a lot over the last two years. We played them once in 2023 and once in 2024 both in Bundaberg,” Woolf explains.
“It’s our first time to go down and play them in Sydney at their home base. I think that’s a great challenge for us.
“They’re a good footy side. They’re sitting at the top (of the ladder) for a reason. They play a tough brand of footy and they’ve got a great supporter base as well who will let their presence be known.”
The Bulldogs have five key players out of their squad for the game, but Woolf says it won’t change the way the Dolphins are approaching it.
“Every team’s got players out. I don’t think that’s a reason to think there’s going to be any change in the way they play or the quality that they’re going to play with,” he says.
Injury toll
The Dolphins will be without Captain Tom Gilbert (pec), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (State of Origin), Jeremy Marshall-King (leg cut), Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) and Max Plath (foot). Thomas Flegler and Trai Fuller remain unavailable due to injury.
Woolf says his focus is building consistency, with his squad, so they can perform at their best level.
Jake Averillo will shift from centre to fullback when he faces his former side tomorrow (7.50pm kick off). Averillo has made 16 appearances at fullback in his career, scoring 11 tries in those games.
The backline reshuffle gives Max Feagai an opportunity to make his 24th appearance in the NRL and his debut for the Dolphins in the centres.
Connelly Lemuelu will move into the starting line-up, shifting from the bench to the second row in Gilbert's absence. He will partner with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who has been selected for Queensland's extended squad but will play for the Dolphins this week.
Oryn Keeley will complete the 17-man squad, with Sean O'Sullivan 18th man.
Support for Gilbert
Dolphins Captain Tom Gilbert due to have surgery today on a pectoral muscle injury suffered in the loss to the Warriors last weekend.
It’s his third serious injury in as many seasons and comes in his first year as Captain and at a time when many thought he could play for the Maroons in State of Origin this year.
“He’s a tough man, he knows how to handle these situations … he’s been through it before. He wears his heart on his sleeve, certainly in the way he plays, but he also knows how to handle disappointment,” Woolf says.
“He’s got a great support network around him. He’s got a great wife. Everyone will be around him and our playing group will be as well.
“He’s obviously disappointed but he’ll get through it and he’ll be back playing sooner rather than later.”
When asked how the squad had responded to the latest setback for their mate and team, Woolf says:
“We’ve got a very good group of men. I think they support each other very well … they’re all good people.
“One thing I know … he’ll have support from the group. I know he’s got a lot of messages, he’s got a lot of support … he’ll have people got and visit him and show that support throughout the course of his injury.
“They’re really good like that. Whether that shows in performance … we’ll wait and see.”