3 minute read
The Dolphins face a stern examination of their premiership credentials when Melbourne Storm arrive at Suncorp Stadium on Friday evening.
In just their second season in the NRL, the Dolphins are flying high in fourth spot on the ladder and they are now being talked about as a potential grand final winner.
There is still a long way to go, but another win over ladder-leaders the Storm on Friday and the belief will really start to grow.
Wayne Bennett's men can be backed at 26.00 to win the 2024 grand final, while the Storm are available at 5.50.
The clash with the Dolphins is also a big test for the Storm to see if they have what it takes to go all the way and stop Penrith Panthers winning a fourth straight premiership.
There is no better clash to get Round 16 underway as super coaches Bennett and Craig Bellamy go head-to-head.
. What: Dolphins v Melbourne Storm
. Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
. When: 20:00 (AEST), Friday 21st June 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Dolphins 2.65, Melbourne Storm 1.48
Dolphins continue to turn heads
The Dolphins are having a great season and last weekend's win over Cronulla Sharks was a sign that they are in the mix for the Premiership this season.
One more victory will see them equal the amount of wins they picked up in the entire 2023 campaign and they will be out to get it on Friday evening.
State of Origin again means that both teams will be without key players and the Dolphins will be missing star duo Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi.
However, there is some good news as Tesi Niu and Jesse Bromwich are both in with a chance of returning to the side.
The Dolphins do have Jack Bostock available and the winger has been in top form, scoring 10 tries in his last 11 games.
Bostock can be backed at 8.50 to score the first try of the game or 1.95 to score a try at anytime.
The Dolphins, who have scored at least 20 points in the last six games, can be backed at 7.50 to win a thriller of a game by 1-5 points.
Papenhuyzen back to boost Storm
The Storm may be missing Harry Grant and Xavier Coates to Origin duty, but they received a massive boost with the news Ryan Papenhuyzen returns.
Papenhuyzen has been missing for the last five games with an ankle injury, but will return at fullback, with Sualauvi Faalogo switching to the wing to replace Coates.
The Storm played the Dolphins just once in their debut season, that clash was at Suncorp with the Storm running out 24-16 winners.
It could be another close encounter on Friday and the Storm are priced at 3.40 to win by 1-12 points.
Even without Coates, they still have plenty of quality on the pitch to get the tries they need.
Papenhuyzen can be backed at 8.00 to mark his return with the first try of the game, while Faalogo is priced at 7.50 in the same market.
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