NRL Team Lists: Dolphins Vs Sharks – Winners and Losers After Round 19 Selections

1 hour ago - Sportingbase

The official team lists are in for Saturday’s clash between the Dolphins and Cronulla Sharks, with both sides sweating on the availability of several State of Origin stars. While the final 17s won’t be confirmed until closer to kick-off, the initial selections have already created some clear winners and losers that could have a significant impact on the contest and the betting markets.

Dolphins Winners

Ray Stone

Stone returns after missing last week’s clash through soreness and adds valuable experience and versatility to the Dolphins’ forward rotation. His ability to play through the middle or on an edge gives Kristian Woolf greater flexibility if Origin players are rested.

Trai Fuller

Fuller has again been trusted at fullback while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow remains in the extended squad following Origin III. Another start is a great opportunity to continue building confidence in attack.

Bradley Schneider

With several representative players potentially unavailable, Schneider will again be asked to steer the Dolphins around the park alongside Kodi Nikorima. More responsibility means more opportunities to stamp his authority on the game.

Dolphins Losers

Sam Elliott

The forward drops out of the squad after featuring last week, making him the obvious casualty from the changes.

Dolphins outside backs

If Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo and Jack Bostock are all unavailable after Origin duties, the Dolphins lose a significant amount of strike power and finishing ability.

Dolphins middle forwards

The potential return of Addin Fonua-Blake for Cronulla would make life considerably tougher through the middle if he is cleared to play.

Sharks Winners

Nicho Hynes

The Sharks captain will again direct the attack and could receive a huge boost if Addin Fonua-Blake and Blayke Brailey are both cleared to return from Origin. Better ruck speed and field position always suit Hynes’ game.
Billy Burns

Burns earns another opportunity in the starting side with Briton Nikora initially unavailable following Origin. He’s rewarded after solid recent form and has another chance to cement his place.
Thomas Hazelton

Hazelton continues to grow into a key middle forward for Cronulla and again starts in the front row.

Sharks Losers

Briton Nikora

Nikora has been named in the extended squad but is expected to miss the match after failing a Category 2 head injury assessment during Origin III.
Jayden Berrell

Berrell starts at hooker, but his role could change significantly should Blayke Brailey prove his fitness before kick-off.
Bench forwards

The potential return of Addin Fonua-Blake would create increased competition for minutes through Cronulla’s forward rotation.

Official Team Lists

Dolphins
1. Trai Fuller
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Tevita Naufahu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Bradley Schneider
8. Felise Kaufusi
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Francis Molo
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Morgan Knowles
Interchange
1. Kurt Donoghoe
2. Ray Stone
3. Tom Gilbert
4. Sebastian Su’a
Extended Squad
1. Brian Pouniu
2. John Fineanganofo
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
4. Selwyn Cobbo
5. Jack Bostock
6. Max Plath
7. Thomas Flegler
Sharks
1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. KL Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Thomas Hazelton
9. Jayden Berrell
10. Jesse Colquhoun
11. Billy Burns
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes (c)
Interchange
1. Hohepa Puru
2. Siosifa Talakai
3. Oregon Kaufusi
4. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Extended Squad
1. Mawene Hiroti
2. Samuel Stonestreet
3. Niwhai Puru
4. Briton Nikora
5. Blayke Brailey
6. Addin Fonua-Blake