Dolphins v Panthers betting tips & predictions | NRL Rd 20 Preview

Dolphins v Panthers tips & same game multi

The Redcliffe Dolphins face a stiff test against ladder-leader Penrith Panthers in round 20 action at Kayo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The NRL’s newest club is yet to take on the back-to-back premiership winners and many are wondering how they will fare.

For the Dolphins, Queensland Maroons centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is expected to back-up from State of Origin three with Valynce Te Whare dropping back to the reserves.

Veteran second-rower Felise Kaufusi (concussion) returns to the starting side with Kenneath Bromwich shifting into the front row, pushing Herman Ese’ese to the interchange bench and Josh Kerr back to the reserves.

The Panthers have named New South Wales Blues stars Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo to back-up from State of Origin three. The visitors made further changes to their starting side on Tuesday afternoon by recalling Soni Luke and Jaeman Salmon to the interchange bench, with Zac Hosking and Tyrone Peachey dropping back to the reserves.

Panthers’ fans are also waiting patiently for confirmation that Nathan Cleary (hamstring) will return to the starting side at halfback after being named in the extended reserves.

The Dolphins have been in free-fall down the NRL ladder losing six of their last seven games this season. The home side is yet to be beaten at Kayo Stadium, however; their winning streak looks like to end in this contest.

The defending premiers have won eight of their last nine matches, including four of their last five without Cleary. Even if the former New South Wales and Australian halfback does not play, the visitors should win and cover the -15.5 point line at $1.90 with PalmerBet.

Dolphins second-rower Connelly Lemuelu has shown in matches against top-tier sides like the Broncos, Storm and Rabbitohs he can make defensive errors on the left edge that lead to the opposition scoring tries. On Sunday afternoon back-rower Scott Sorenson and centre Stephen Crichton will be on the attack with the pair sharing countless tries, line breaks and tackle breaks this season as their combination has developed. Both Crichton ($2.03) and Sorenson ($3.30) are excellent value plays as anytime try scorers.

Key match-up: Felise Kaufusi v Liam Martin

Felisi Kaufusi vs Liam Martin

The battle between Dolphin Felise Kaufusi and Panther Liam Martin on the edge will be brilliant viewing. Both players are aggressive defenders who thrive in tough conditions and rise to any challenge they are presented.

The key to this matchup will be Kaufusi’s discipline in defence, having already spent seven weeks on the sideline this season for dangerous and careless high contact. The former Storm player will need to be in full control of his defensive technique.

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