The Dragons are at home at Wollongong this weekend and will be desperate to return some pride to the Red V jersey when they host competition newcomers the Dolphins.
Both teams went down in Round 4 in contrasting losses, with the unfancied Dolphins fighting to the last inch in their blockbuster 'Battle for Brisbane' derby against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
The Dragons however suffered another second-half capitulation in their derby loss to the Nicho Hynes-inspired Cronulla Sharks, letting in seven tries in their 40-8 defeat.
Perhaps the most frustrating thing for Dragons fans is that for the most part, the side have worked hard and looked competitive early in their last two losses - and in both matches have even led their opposition - only to fall in a heap when forced to defend their errors.
Dolphins fans however have been buoyed by the fight displayed by their side in all their matches, where they have fought back from early deficits to win their first three matches and only went down late to the Broncos, despite a heavy injury toll which included losing halfback Sean O'Sullivan and hooker Kodi Nikorima and a leg injury to winger Tesi Niu hampering his efforts for the majority of the game.
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Team News
Dragons: Jacob Liddle will start at hooker with Moses Mbye going to the bench in a late switch an hour before kick-off. Talatau Amone makes his first NRL appearance of the season after coming into the starting squad at five-eighth on Friday for Jayden Sullivan (shoulder). Jack de Belin's calf is good to go and he replaces Zane Musgrove on the bench, after being named in the extended reserves on Tuesday.
Dolphins: The Dolphins are 1-17 with no late changes. Anthony Milford moves from five-eighth to halfback to cover for Sean O'Sullivan (pectoral) and Isaiya Katoa returns from an elbow injury in the No.6 jumper. Tesi Niu (knee) is replaced on the wing by Jack Bostock, who will make his NRL debut against his junior club. Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King is back from a two-week suspension, so Mason Teague goes to the bench. Herman Ese'ese returns from a pectoral injury at prop.
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Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won their past five games at WIN Stadium.
- Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored five tries in four games in 2023.
- The Dragons have conceded 80 points in consecutive losses to the Broncos and Sharks.
- Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich will play his 300th NRL game.
- Dragons centre Moses Suli will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .