You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
Match Preview

Dolphins v Titans: Kaufusi replaces Kenny; Brimson returns

Author
pan66.com
Timestamp

The latest in a series of Queensland derby matches to start 2023 will see the Dolphins take on the Titans for the first time, with both sides reeling from heavy last-up defeats. 

The Gold Coast experienced defeat for the first time since Round 4 when they were blown away in the final half hour by the ladder-leading Broncos last week, with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui's sin-binning on 61 minutes not helping their cause in a 43-26 loss. 

Wayne Bennett's Dolphins meanwhile produced an excellent first half effort to lead the Rabbitohs, but had no answer in the second 40 minutes as they leaked 30 unanswered points in a 36-14 loss. 

These two outfits employ different styles on the ball, with the Dolphins tending to dominate possession this year off the back of an average completion rate of 80 percent, compared to the Titans who complete at around 75 percent. 

The two prior Queensland derby games at Suncorp Stadium this year have attracted crowds above 43,000, with this week marking the Dolphins' third trip to the venue in 2023 and the Titans' first. 

Team News

Dolphins: No late changes for Wayne Bennett's men, with Felise Kaufusi back from suspension in place of Kenny Bromwich. Youngster Kurt Donoghoe retains his place on the bench with JJ Collins 18th man.

Titans: AJ Brimson is confirmed to make his return from a hamstring injury and will start at fullback. That means Jayden Campbell reverts to the bench after playing in the No.1 jersey for the past two games. Klese Haas is the man to make way and is now the replacement player. Thomas Mikaele will play his first game for the club after signing mid-season. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
    Fullback for Titans is number 21 AJ Brimson
  • Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
    Winger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira 
  • Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Euan Aitken
    Centre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
  • Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Brenko Lee
    Centre for Titans is number 4 Phillip Sami
  • Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Robert Jennings
    Winger for Titans is number 5 Jojo Fifita
  • Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
    Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Kieran Foran
  • Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
    Halfback for Titans is number 7 Tanah Boyd

Forwards

  • Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
    Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
  • Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
    Hooker for Titans is number 9 Chris Randall
  • Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Herman Ese'ese
    Prop for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
  • 2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
    2nd Row for Titans is number 11 David Fifita
  • 2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
    2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Joe Stimson
  • Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Tom Gilbert
    Lock for Titans is number 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange

  • Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Jarrod Wallace
    Interchange for Titans is number 1 Jayden Campbell
  • Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark Nicholls
    Interchange for Titans is number 14 Kruise Leeming
  • Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
    Interchange for Titans is number 15 Erin Clark
  • Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Kurt Donoghoe
    Interchange for Titans is number 16 Thomas Mikaele

Reserves

  • Replacement for Dolphins is number 18 JJ Collins
    Replacement for Titans is number 17 Klese Haas

Match Officials

  • Referee: Chris Butler
  • Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
  • Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Dolphins have conceded 96 points in their past three games.
  • The Titans have won two of their past three games at Suncorp Stadium.
  • Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has won 11 of his past 12 games coaching against the Titans.
  • Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored seven tries in his past five games.
  • Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich has won 15 games from 17 against the Titans.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.