After losing three of their first five matches, the Eels looked to have found their mojo to down the Cowboys at home while a decimated Dolphins side will need to regroup before the two sides meet in Darwin.
The Eels have struggled to fill the void left by an injured Mitch Moses in recent weeks but are back in the winner's circle after deputy playmaker Daejarn Asi stepped up to help hand the Cowboys just their second loss for the season.
Coach Brad Arthur will be hoping the familiar turf of TIO Stadium can help them make it two-straight for the first time this season, having won six of their past nine games played in Darwin.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have already been rocked by injury and suspension this season and the going only gets tougher after losing star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to a hamstring injury for the next month.
Adding to the woes, utility Anthony Milford also faces a two-week suspension after being charged with dangerous contact late in his side's loss to the Broncos.
Having had their depth severely tested at a similar time last season, Wayne Bennett's men will need to once again show their true colours and ensure whoever pulls on the red jersey is ready to do a job for the Dolphins.
Match: Eels v Dolphins
Round 7 -
home Team
Eels
11th Position
away Team
Dolphins
5th Position
Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stat Attack
- The Eels have lost their past two games in Darwin.
- Dolphins winger Jack Bostock has scored six tries from his past eight games.
- The Eels have not won back-to-back games without Mitchell Moses since 2020.
- Dolphins prop Jesse Bromwich will become the first player to start 300 games at prop.
- Eels coach Brad Arthur has won only one of his past five encounters with Wayne Bennett.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .
