Suncorp Stadium will play host to Sunday's Round 1 NRL game between Dolphins and Sydney Roosters. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with Sydney Roosters heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Dolphins vs. Sydney Roosters game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday March 5, 2023 at 4:05 pm
Where: Suncorp Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters Odds
Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters Preview
Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins start life in the NRL as the biggest outsiders of the round as they host a superstar-laden Sydney Roosters outfit on debut at Suncorp Stadium.
Following a woeful trial loss to the Titans, Bennett has made his first big selection call by axing flighty veteran Anthony Milford in favour of five-eighth debutant Isaiya Katoa.
The Dolphins’ backline has a distinct journeyman look with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow an unproven fullback and Tesi Niu a curious wing pick.
Their strength is in a pack led by ex-Storm trio Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, and Felise Kaufusi.
The Roosters have been installed as the Panthers’ most likely challengers for the premiership.
Adding Brandon Smith is a terrifying prospect for their rivals, but they are currently without marquee Kiwis Joseph Manu and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, on top of Angus Crichton’s indefinite leave.
On the surface it’s a bad first match-up for the Dolphins – there’s huge question marks over whether their key-position players are up to the task and their backline is in for a torrid afternoon opposite the likes of Tedesco, Suaalii and Tupou.
But the Roosters are slow starters – losing four of their last five Round 1 matches – while no premiership newcomer has lost their first match by more than 18 points since Newcastle in 1988.
The Bennett factor and the occasion is unlikely to be enough for a boilover, but the Dolphins are value to cover.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Sydney Roosters to win at $1.13 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: James Tedesco at $10.00.
Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters Teams
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Herman Ese’ese 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Connelly Lemuelu 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Mason Teague 21. Anthony Milford 22. Robert Jennings
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Corey Allan 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Brandon Smith 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Naufahu Whyte 17. Terrell May 18. Jake Turpin 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Sandon Smith 21. Siua Wong 22. Junior Pauga