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Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters Tips - Hosts to create history in 2026 NRL Preliminary Final

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
Editor
Last updated: Wed 23 Sep 2026 06:43
The Dolphins are in scintillating form heading into their clash with the Sydney Roosters, boasting an eight-match winning streak and unbeaten in their last eight at Suncorp Stadium. They decisively beat the Roosters in both 2026 meetings, indicating a clear upper hand. The Dolphins' potent backline, including try machine Selwyn Cobbo, is tipped to cover the -2.5 handicap and score over 22.5 points. Despite the Roosters regaining key players, including Sam Walker, the Dolphins are recommended as strong favorites for a Grand Final spot.
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Jeremy Darke 23 Sep 2026
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  • Dolphins on 8-game winning streak, dominant at Suncorp.
  • Dolphins beat Roosters by big margins twice in 2026.
  • Dolphins favored to cover -2.5 & score 22.5+ points; Cobbo top try scorer pick.
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dolphins sydney roosters
Dolphins to beat the Sydney Roosters (Getty Images)

Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters Verdict


The Dolphins have never been to this stage of the season before but they are backed to book an NRL Grand Final spot. After eight straight win and another eight in a row at Suncorp Stadium, the Phins are flying.

The Dolphins recorded a thumping 48-10 demolition of the Roosters earlier this season and covering a -2.5 line on Friday is the best bet.

  • The Dolphins have won eight consecutive matches.
  • Redcliffe have won eight straight at Suncorp Stadium.
  • The Dolphins beat the Roosters 48-10 and 26-12 in their two 2026 meetings.
  • The Dolphins have scored 23+ points in 10 of 12 games at Suncorp this season.
  • Selwyn Cobbo has scored eight tries across his last six matches.

Head to Head


The Dolphins have taken control of this matchup in 2026, winning both meetings with the Roosters by double figures.

Redcliffe smashed Sydney 48-10 at Suncorp Stadium in Round 15 before travelling to Allianz Stadium as underdogs in Round 26 and winning 26-12.

The Roosters still lead the short all-time rivalry 4-3, but the Dolphins have won three of the four meetings played at Suncorp.

Dolphins Form


The Dolphins enter the preliminary final on an eight-game winning streak and have won 16 of their last 18 overall. 

Their qualifying-final victory over the Warriors demonstrated another side of this team, with Redcliffe trailing for most of the match before scoring 18 unanswered points to win 26-16.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth were instrumental in the comeback and, alongside Cobbo, Jamayne Isaako and Jack Bostock, give the Dolphins attacking threats across the entire backline.

Suncorp has also become a significant advantage. The Dolphins have won their last eight at the venue, with their only two defeats there this season coming back in March.

Tom Flegler returns after clearing the concussion protocols following his early HIA against the Warriors, while the experienced Felise Kaufusi has also been recalled.

Sydney Roosters Form


The Roosters finally broke their four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, beating Cronulla 46-10 to keep their season alive.

Daly Cherry-Evans produced one of his best performances of the season with a try and three assists, while James Tedesco again led from the back and Mark Nawaqanitawase crossed twice.

The return of Walker now gives Sydney another attacking dimension. Cherry-Evans moves to five-eighth and the Roosters suddenly have two elite kicking and playmaking options in the halves.

How Walker handles his rapid return from surgery remains the question. The Roosters have already struggled twice against this Dolphins side in 2026, scoring just 22 combined points across the two defeats.

Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters Team News


The Dolphins welcome Tom Flegler back after he cleared the concussion protocols, while two-time premiership winner Felise Kaufusi has been recalled to the extended interchange.

Sydney have named Sam Walker at halfback just 24 days after he suffered his syndesmosis injury against the Dolphins and underwent surgery. Daly Cherry-Evans moves to five-eighth, with Hugo Savala shifting to the bench.

Verdict

The Dolphins backline is too dangerous so back them to make history and cover the 2.5 points as the favourite while scoring over 22.5 points. Selwyn Cobbo is the best value try scorer with Jeremy Marshall-King as an outsider.

Best Bet1: Dolphins -2.5 Handicap/Line @-108.70 at Stake.com - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Dolphins Over 22.5 Team Total @-109.89 at Shuffle - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Selwyn Cobbo Anytime Tryscorer @-105.26 at Legendz - 2 Units
Best Bet4: Jeremy Marshall-King Anytime Tryscorer @600.00 at Polymarket - 1 Unit
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jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke

Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • Sports Writer & Expert Betting Analyst

Jeremy is a freelance journalist who is a true sports activist. A die-hard fan of the NRL all his life and also has a passion for all the major American sports.


From when he was a little fella he has played most sports ranging from rugby, ice hockey, tennis and football, just to name a few. His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster.

Tipster and presenter on YouTube and a co-founder of The Sports Cap and The Basketball Fix.

You can find Jeremy on Muckrack and LinkedIn.

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