Dolphins by 6
FTS- Hammer
MOTM- Katoa.
If the game were in Sydney, I'd probably tip the home team. But a neutral game on the west coast could produce anything. WB will have them pumped due to the importance of the game and I'm betting on a really good performance tonight.
Fuller just doesn't have the versatility due to his slight frame. A full game in reserve grade is probably more beneficial for him rather than a possible 10 mins off the bench.
Herbie kicking the loose ball rather than jumping on it was the game changer. Kerr immediately got sinbinned and the Titans immediately opened their account. It was one way traffic after that.
Fuller dropped.
SOS is a better fit as he can play a few positions. Trai only got 8 mins last week and missed 3 tackles. Unfortunately, FB is his only position.
Dolphins by 12
FTS- Plath
MOTM- Hammer
Needless to say, an absolute must win today if they have any playoff aspirations for this year. It could be a high scoring affair, maybe 34-22 or 40-28.
Will likely need to win four of their last seven to qualify for a playoff spot. Where amongst this schedule will the wins occur?
GC (h)
Syd (Perth)
NZ (h)
Cant (Bundy)
Melb (a)
Bris (h)
Newc (a)
Hopefully can account for GC and NZ (both touch and go). I'm not sure where the other two will...
Dolphins by 2
FTS- Bostock
MOTM- Katoa
Huge opportunity today with Penrith severely depleted. A victory will go a hell of a long ways in securing their maiden playoff berth.
As expected, the Hammer and Felise are unavailable due to SOO. Add to that list, JMK, Donoghoe, SOS, Harry Graham, Flegler and Gilbert. The cupboard is pretty bare in a match which is a definite must win.
It's a little ways off but the rd. 26 clash vs the Broncos could be a big one. The result may determine a playoff spot or not. Although, I think the Broncos may be out of contention by then. They are in big trouble. I'm hoping the Dolphins won't be in the same boat.
Have to settle for 14-10 now. But with a lacklustre performance against StG and a season ending injury to JMK, I may have to reconsider some of these predictions. I can't help but to think it is going to be really tough going from here on in.
Plath would be the logical solution as the cupboard is pretty bare. K Bromwich is probably the new lock. None of it is ideal as the season slowly falls apart.
They've been sliding because they are just a second year team with the oldest pack in the comp guided a 20 yo HB. Add to that, long term injuries to their two best forwards, the Origin drain (although limited) and the fact that they are just an average team on paper.
But they have graduated...