After taking the Storm to the wire in Round 16 the Dolphins will be desperate to reclaim their spot in the top four when they face the Dragons on Sunday.
In the absence of star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, veteran forward Felise Kaufusi and losing Jack Bostock to an early HIA, Wayne Bennett's side showed great resilience to kick out to an early lead at Suncorp Stadium but went down 30-24 in the end.
The Dragons, meanwhile, head into Round 17 refreshed from the bye and with a chance to climb into the top eight for the first time since Round 1.
The Origin representatives have three full days to recover from Game Two but Tabuai-Fidow and Zac Lomax won't be playing.
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Team News
Dragons: No late changes after coach Shane Flanagan confirmed on Saturday that Origin rep Zac Lomax would be rested as he nurses a shoulder injury. Christian Tuipulotu has come in on the wing. Maroons reps Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su’A have been named in the run-on side and are set to play. Ryan Couchman is 18th man.
Dolphins: A late chance sees Felise Kaufusi named to start at prop after playing just 10 minutes for the Maroons on Wednesday, with Kenny Bromwich shifting to the bench. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (shoulder) will miss the clash after picking up an AC injury in Origin II, bringing Trai Fuller back into the side at fullback. Tesi Niu comes in on the wing for Jack Bostock (concussion). Tevita Pangai junior will again come off the bench after getting through 38 minutes in his NRL return last week. Kurt Donoghoe came onto the bench on Saturday with Ray Stone making way. Josh Kerr is 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Dragons have conceded 122 points in their past four games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
- The Dolphins have won five from seven away from home this season.
- Dragons winger Zac Lomax has scored 48 points in his last two home games.
- Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored nine tries in his past seven games.
- Dragons coach Shane Flanagan will take charge of his 200th game as NRL coach.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,