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Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers Tips & Preview - Close battle predicted in NRL Round 6 clash

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: 08 Apr 2025

Jeremy Darke 08 Apr 2025

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Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 6 NRL game
Both teams maintain game totals below 48.5 points
Key player Jack Bostock predicted to score in the game

Expired

Panthers have been involved in close games (Getty Images)

Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers Preview
Head to Head
Dolphins Form
Dolphins Team News
Dolphins Team List
Penrith Panthers Form
Penrith Panthers Team News
Penrith Panthers Team List

Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers Preview

Panthers games have been tight affairs this year and this could be more of the same. You can't trust Penrith at present, so I'm taking either team to win by 1-12 at Suncorp.

Both matches between the Dolphins and the Panthers have been decided by a 1-12 margin
All 5 Penrith matches have ended with a 1-12 margin
All 5 Dolphins games and the last 2 Panthers games have resulted in a game total that has hit the under.
The right side defence of the Panthers gave up three tries last week against the Cowboys.

Head to Head

The Panthers and Dolphins have played once in each of the first two seasons of the Queensland side with Penrith getting up in both instances.

The matches have been in reach for the Dolphins with both finishing within a 1-12 margin and last season’s Round 20 encounter being decided by some Nathan Cleary magic with a 2-point field goal with the end result going to the Panthers 26-24 in golden-point.

Dolphins Form

The Dolphins got their first win under coach Kristian Woolf, finally unlocking their attack with Hamiso Tabia-Fidow scoring the first try of the game and his first meat pie of the season against the Gold Coast last weekend.

Two tries in the first half, followed by another three 4-pointers in the second half saw the Dolphins beat the Titans 36-10. The Gold Coast certainly did everything to hand the game to their QLD rivals, however, the Dolphins took the chances given to them and also looked much more aligned defensively.

The win broke their four-game losing streak to start the year and was done so with a flourishing chemistry between Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa who finally clicked and unleashed a more dangerous attack.

The Dolphins made 5 linebreaks in the match which is two more than they averaged in the first four games of the year and scored over 18 points for the first time this season.

Dolphins Team News

Tom Gilbert comes straight back into the side on the edge with Max Plath retaining his spot at lock.

Felise Kaufusi will start in the front row with Mark Nicholls on the bench.

Dolphins Team List

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jake Averillo

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Jack Bostock

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Felise Kaufusi

11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

12. Tom Gilbert

13. Max Plath

Interchange

14. Kurt Donoghoe

15. Mark Nicholls

16. Connelly Lemuelu

17. Josh Kerr

Reserves

18. Sean O'Sullivan

19. Kenny Bromwich

20. Oryn Keeley

21. Max Feagai

22. Junior Tupou

Penrith Panthers Form

Alarm bells are starting to ring in Penrith after losing their fourth straight match, for the first time since dropping 6 consecutive matches between rounds 5-10 in the 2019 season. The 2019 season was the last season that the Panthers did not make the finals or play in the Grand Final for that matter.

The 2019 season was also the last time the Panthers conceded 20 points or more in 4 consecutive matches and is where Penrith’s problems lie to start the 2025 season.

The Panthers are a mid-range team in key defensive stats, however it is opposition possession and linebreaks that are hurting them most. The Panthers rank 10th with 52.4% of possession going to their opponents and averaging 5 linebreaks against per game which is 11th in the NRL.

It is not time to write off the Panthers just yet, but another loss could cause some sort of shake up.

Penrith Panthers Team News

Dylan Edwards returns from his groin injury and replaces Daine Laurie at fullback. Laurie will play as 18th man with Casey McLean keeping his spot on the wing.

Blaize Talagi will replace Jack Cole at five-eight after suffering a concussion. Luke Sommerton will be the starting hooker with Mitch Kenny out with a shoulder injury.

Scott Sorensen returns to the back row with Isaiah Papali’i starting off the bench.

Penrith Panthers Team List

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Paul Alamoti

3. Izack Tago

4. Thomas Jenkins

5. Casey McLean

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota

9. Luke Sommerton

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Scott Sorensen

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange

14. Brad Schneider

15. Isaiah Papali'i

16. Liam Henry

17. Luke Garner

Reserves

18. Daine Laurie

19. Matthew Eisenhuth

20. Trent Toelau

21. Mavrik Geyer

22. Jesse McLean

Verdict

Dolphins v Penrith Panthers

This game is going to be a tough affair and will end with a 1-12 margin to either team. The Dolphins have only played in games that have hit the under this season and their match against Penrith will be no different.

Jack Bostock will be dangerous for the Phins and will cross for a try.

Either Team

1-12 Winning Margin

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Game Total

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