Dolphins – Sydney Roosters

Recent form

The Dolphins defeated the Warriors 26-16 in Auckland on 12 September after trailing 16-8; their second half was marked by Isaiya Katoa’s kicking and the bursts of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth. They then benefited from a match-free weekend.

The Roosters defeated Cronulla 46-10 on 19 September after leading 18-10 at halftime and scoring five tries in the second half. James Tedesco made 161 metres and 11 tackle breaks, while Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries and ran for 187 metres.

However, the Roosters’ victory should be qualified by Nicho Hynes’s early departure for an HIA and Mawene Hiroti’s injury.

Head-to-head

Information unavailable regarding documented recent meetings between the Dolphins and the Sydney Roosters in the selected dossier. The head-to-head record therefore cannot be used here to shed light on the duel; the analysis is based on the two most recent documented finals matches and the recovery context.

Absences and injuries

Angus Crichton was returning from a foot injury, and Salesi Foketi was declared fit after an HIA-related assessment in the latest official Roosters squad list, published on September 15. Sam Walker’s exact availability is not confirmed by an official lineup accessible before the cutoff.

Injuries, suspensions, and changes occurring after September 19 have not been established; the impact of any injuries sustained by the Dolphins against the Warriors is also unknown.

Context & news

The Dolphins should look to exploit transitions, their outside players, and Katoa’s kicking game; the Roosters should try to impose their launch speed and Tedesco’s impact in support. First scenario: the Dolphins’ rest, targeted preparation, and superior recovery allow them to control the decisive sequences.

Contrasting scenario: recent momentum, offensive confidence, and knockout-match experience favor the Roosters despite only six days between their win against Cronulla and the event. The match is presented as being set to take place in Brisbane, at the Dolphins’ stadium, but this information remains probable and unconfirmed by a usable source.

The weather, wind, and state of the pitch are unknown.

Roster and lineup

The official lineup for the preliminary semifinal was not published in verifiable sources by the cutoff date. In the latest official Roosters squad list available, published on September 15 for the September 19 match against Cronulla, James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Billy Smith, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and several starting forwards were named.

The changes for September 25, the bench lineup, and any potential replacements remain unknown.