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Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Tips & Preview - Hammer to lead Phins to NRL Round 1 victory

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: 05 Mar 2025

Ryan Tucker 05 Mar 2025

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Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs expert predictions for Friday’s Round 1 NRL game
Dolphins favored due to strong scoring history; Rabbitohs struggle defensively
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow backed for tries

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview
Head to Head
Dolphins Form
Dolphins Team News
Dolphins Team List
South Sydney Rabbitohs Form
South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News
South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview

The Dolphins have had to switch venue to play this at Commbank Stadium in Sydney. Despite giving up home advantage, they are backed to win and cover the line as favourites.

The Dolphins averaged 26.6 points per game in their first 10 games in 2024 and 24.8 in their first 10 games of 2023.
The Rabbitohs conceded the 3rd most points per game in 2024 at a 28.4 average.
South Sydney had the 2nd worst number for average Run Metres in 2024.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored in 10 of 15 NRL games last season.

Head to Head

These teams have played just twice in the past two years with each club picking up a win. It was the Dolphins who were triumphant last year winning 36-28 at Kayo Stadium.

Both games have gone Over the Game Total.

Dolphins Form

The Dolphins once again came roaring out of the blocks last season winning 7 of their first 10 games before going 4-10 to finish the season. 13 of their last 15 games of 2024 were all single digit margins which points to the team being in the game despite picking up a heap of losses.

The team ranked 7th in scoring last season averaging 24 pts per game despite ranking 12th in tackles inside opposition 20m. They were the 10th best defensive team, allowing opponents to score 24.1 pts per game with 40% of opposition tries coming down the right side.

Kristian Woolf has been installed as the new coach after Wayne Bennetts departure. Woolf won 3 straight grand finals (2020-2022) with St Helens in the Super League and has a 54% win record as head coach of Tonga.

Dolphins Team News

Junior Tupou has snagged a starting wing spot with Jack Bostock picking up an injury in the final trial game. Mr Fix-it Felise Kaufusi will start at prop with Tom Flegler still yet to return from injury while new recruit Daniel Saifiti will line up on the other side.

2024 standout Max Plath has shifted to the edge with the return of Tom Gilbert and will partner Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in a solid backrow trio. Connelly Lemuelu will come off the bench with Kenny Bromwich 18th man.

Dolphins Team List

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jake Averillo

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Junior Tupou

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Felise Kaufusi

11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

12. Max Plath

13. Tom Gilbert

Interchange

14. Kurt Donoghoe

15. Connelly Lemuelu

16. Mark Nicholls

17. Ray Stone

Reserves

18. Kenny Bromwich

19. Josh Kerr

20. Sean O'Sullivan

21. Harrison Graham

22. Max Feagai

South Sydney Rabbitohs Form

The Bunnies were struck with the injury bug last season and it has already hit them again to start 2025. The team started 1-9 to start the year before getting back on the horse in the midway point winning 5 in a row and 6 in 7 before losing 7 straight games to finish the year.

In losing games last year the Rabbitohs averaged just 16.2 pts per game compared to 31 a game when they won. There were constant problems within the halves rotations as well as forwards not doing enough to lay a platform finishing 2nd last in average run metres per game.

With Wayne Bennett coming back as coach there will be a greater sense of stability at the club that still have a number of big time players on the books. The forwards still lack depth and experience but young guns are hungry and can have that next man up mentality if it is part of the club culture.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News

Jye Gray is the fullback in Latrell Mitchell’s absence while Lachlan Hubner takes the lock position with Cam Murray expected to miss a large chunk of the season with an achilles injury.

Isaiah Tass has moved to the wing to accommodate the return of Campbell Graham with Alex Johnston still out with injury. Jamie Humphreys is the new halfback after Lachlan Ilias was moved on.

Peter Mamouzelos takes ownership of the 9 jumper following the departure of Damian Cook with Jayden Sullivan the utility.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List

1. Jye Gray

2. Isaiah Tass

3. Jack Wighton

4. Campbell Graham

5. Tyrone Munro

6. Cody Walker

7. Jamie Humphreys

8. Sean Keppie

9. Peter Mamouzelos

10. Davvy Moale

11. Keaon Koloamatangi

12. Jai Arrow

13. Lachlan Hubner

Interchange

14. Jayden Sullivan

15. Siliva Havili

16. Tallis Duncan

17. Tevita Tatola

Reserves

18. Liam Le Blanc

19. Fletcher Myers

20. Jacob Host

21. Thomas Fletcher

22. Salesi Ataata

Verdict

Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Take the Dolphins to cover the short line despite their bad road record last season. The Game Total is a clear overs play based on defensive trends with both teams while the Hammer at double the money to score a try is always a top pick.

Dolphins -2.5

Line

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