The Dolphins are facing a significant injury crisis just before their crucial derby match against Brisbane. Prop Tevita Pangai Jnr, who missed the previous game against Melbourne due to a hamstring injury, did not participate in training and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Hooker Max Plath (calf) and middle forward Ray Stone (neck) are also in a race against time to recover. Moreover, Captain Jesse Bromwich and five-eighth Kodi Nikorima will be sidelined due to concussions, adding to the team’s challenges ahead of Saturday night’s match.
Both the Dolphins and Broncos are tied at 26 points and are trailing St George Illawarra by two points. Each team needs to secure two wins in the final rounds to keep their hopes of making it to the finals alive. However, with uncertainty surrounding the lineup, Dolphins prop Mark Nicholls admitted that the team’s final roster for the game remains unclear. The captain’s run on Friday will be critical in determining which players will be fit to play.
Nicholls acknowledged the uncertainty within the team, mentioning that the absence of key players like Kodi and Jesse makes the situation more challenging. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, describing it as a “do or die” scenario for both the Dolphins and the Broncos, with the outcome potentially defining their season.
Historically, the Dolphins have never defeated Brisbane, making this match even more significant. Nicholls expressed his desire to secure a win against their rivals, particularly in front of what is expected to be a large crowd for the “Battle of Brisbane.” He hopes that a strong Dolphins presence in the stands will boost the team’s morale and help them achieve a long-awaited victory.
The Dolphins have struggled in recent weeks, losing five of their last six games, which has caused them to slip out of the top eight after being in a promising position for a finals spot just two months ago. The team has consistently faced issues with second-half performances, often fading out after strong starts. Nicholls noted that while injuries are a part of the game, the Dolphins have been inconsistent, with their performances fluctuating from competitive showings against top teams to close losses that have set them back.
In summary, the Dolphins are entering a crucial phase of the season with significant challenges due to injuries and inconsistent performances. Their upcoming derby against the Broncos is a must-win for both teams, with finals aspirations hanging in the balance. Despite the uncertainty, Nicholls remains hopeful that the team can pull together and secure a much-needed victory in front of their home fans.
