The Dolphins will be looking to continue their hot start to the season when they host the Newcastle Knights in the ANZAC Round clash on Sunday, April 28. Despite being without key players and head coach Wayne Bennett last week, the Dolphins recorded a dominant 44-16 victory over the Eels. Dolphins vs Knights kickoff 2:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
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Starting lineup unchanged
The Dolphins (4-2) have named an unchanged starting 13 from their win over the Eels, with Kurt Donoghoe’s return from suspension the only change to their 17-man squad.
UNSTOPPABLE 🚨#NRLEelsDolphins pic.twitter.com/u8nALZyBJd
— NRL (@NRL) April 19, 2024
On the other hand, Newcastle (2-5) is reeling from a heavy defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs, compounded by the loss of their captain Kalyn Ponga to a long-term foot injury. The star fullback’s absence is a massive blow for Newcastle, who have won only three of their past 10 without him.
Dolphins vs Knights
All eyes will be on the battle of the forward packs, with the Dolphins’ dominant engine room laying the platform for their high-scoring start to the year. They lead the NRL for average points scored at 28.3 per game.
Leading the back-line are the two wingers in Jamayne Isaako and Jack Bostock.
The two sides shared the spoils in their meetings last year, with the Dolphins winning in Newcastle before the Knights prevailed in Perth later in the season.
Making moves off the field
In other news, the Dolphins have secured Cowboys back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki on a three-year deal from 2024, with the Ipswich Jets product returning to south-east Queensland.
Max Plath has also been rewarded for his impressive form with a contract extension that will keep him at the Dolphins until 2027.
These off-field moves further bolster the Dolphins’ squad as they continue to establish themselves as a force in the NRL.
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With both teams desperate for points, the ANZAC Round encounter is a must-watch. The Dolphins look to solidify their place in the top four, while the Knights aim to arrest their form slump and keep their finals hopes alive.
Published 26-April-2024
