2026 Finals

[Josh]

The slow starts are a concern. The forwards have been getting dominated early on and as we all know, the tide doesn't turn until certain individuals come off the bench. That is an unhealthy trend and one that will blow up in their face if it continues.

Knowles and Flegler are both very good front on defenders but maybe not as good moving to one side or the other. I think they call it "lateral defencve". One theory anyway. I just can't understand why we are always trailing early. Maybe it's just with Plath and Donoghue, offense if the best form or defence.

 

[yonathonjoung]

Knowles and Flegler are both very good front on defenders but maybe not as good moving to one side or the other. I think they call it "lateral defencve". One theory anyway. I just can't understand why we are always trailing early. Maybe it's just with Plath and Donoghue, offense if the best form or defence.

We concede less when they are on too. Our bench works better both sides of the ball. Both donga and Plath are good defenders, then you have Ray stone who is a meat grinder in defence. Genuinely we just accept the first 20 with flegler and Knowles then the game starts with our bench coming on.

Must be a terrible feeling as an opposition team watching them come on and knowing what's gonna happen next.

 

[Red]

We concede less when they are on too. Our bench works better both sides of the ball. Both donga and Plath are good defenders, then you have Ray stone who is a meat grinder in defence. Genuinely we just accept the first 20 with flegler and Knowles then the game starts with our bench coming on.

Must be a terrible feeling as an opposition team watching them come on and knowing what's gonna happen next.

What has been happening but I think the finals are a different prospect. We won't be playing the hapless Broncos in these games and if we go down 12-0, I think we lose let alone 24-0.

If the coach wanted a really hard guy on for the opening exchanges to soften things up for Plath and Donoghue, he'd go with Ray Stone. Plus I think Knowles would go well coming on as a small prop after 20 minutes. But anyway, extremely doubtful Woolf will change the team so let's see what happens. Lets see if we can not be behind after 20 minutes and then come home just as strong as usual which would mean an easy win.

 

[257Matt]

The slow starts are a concern. The forwards have been getting dominated early on and as we all know, the tide doesn't turn until certain individuals come off the bench. That is an unhealthy trend and one that will blow up in their face if it continues.

2 of the Dolphins 4 best players come off the bench that makes a big difference to both the bench impact and the poor starts

 

[mr_c]

2 of the Dolphins 4 best players come off the bench that makes a big difference to both the bench impact and the poor starts

most of the teams that are playing well have strong bunch of the bench the new rules just allow that beech to be used much more

 

[Dolph]

most of the teams that are playing well have strong bunch of the bench the new rules just allow that beech to be used much more

You think if we had Knowles and/or Flegler on the bench to start, it would mean we don't have a strong bench? Wouldn't be as strong because 2 of our 3 most consistent and best start on the bench.

 

[Red]

No one is going to be surprised but FFS, I hope he's not really going to start with Plath in the backrow rather than Lemuelu thinking that is going to fix up the poor starts. The whole universe knows the problem is Flegler and Knowles aren't doing well when they start. Can probably carry one, but I have grave concerns they can carry both. And no need for it anyway. Bring one or both on off the bench.

Anyway, the team:

Dolphins Team: ​

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jack Bostock
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Thomas Flegler
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Gilbert
11. Max Plath
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Morgan Knowles
    
    
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Ray Stone
16. Francis Molo
17. Connelly Lemuelu
18. Felise Kaufusi
19. Brad Schneider
    
    
20. Jake Averillo
21. Brian Pouniu
22. Tevita Naufahu