Dragons v Dolphins NRL R17 tips, preview & odds | June 30, 2024

Dragons v Dolhpins Round 17 top picks

Round 17 preview: Dragons v Dolphins

The Dolphins continue their hunt for a top four spot this Sunday afternoon, as they head to Sydney to face the Dragons in round 17 of the 2024 NRL Premiership Season.

At home, the St George Illawarra Dragons enter this clash as slight favourites at -121.95 with Bet365, while the Dolphins offer odds of +109 with BoomBet. With a close match expected, the line is set at just 1.5 points.

The Dragons had a bye last weekend, but in round 15, they fell to the Sea Eagles by 16 points at 4 Pines Park. Despite leading 10-8 at halftime, the Dragons fell apart in the second half, conceding four tries in a disappointing effort.

Sitting 10th on the ladder, the Dragons are only sitting outside the top eight on points differential. However, top NRL bookmakers have little faith in Shane Flanagan’s side, with odds of +500 to make the finals.

Despite being named in the side, NSW winger Zac Lomax is not expected to play this week with Christian Tuipulotu the likely inclusion. On the other hand, Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su’A are both expected to play after representing Queensland on Wednesday.

The Dolphins also went down in their last match, losing to the Melbourne Storm by six points at Suncorp Stadium. Despite scoring three tries in the opening 30 minutes, the Dolphins’ defence struggled, conceding 30 points in the loss.

Just outside the top four on points difference, this match is an excellent opportunity to push the other contenders. At +800 with leading Australian bookies, they offer a value selection for a top four finish.

Winger Jack Bostock is a confirmed change after being concussed against the Storm, leaving Tesi Niu as his replacement. Star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is also not expected to play after injuring his shoulder during Origin, with Trai Fuller coming in. Felise Kaufusi played just 10 minutes for Queensland and will take his place on the bench.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Dolphins R17 team lists

St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Zac Lomax
3. Mosese Suli
4. Max Feagai
5. Mathew Feagai
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Jack De Belin
11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Tom Eisenhuth
14. Blake Lawrie
15. Ben Murdoch-Masila
16. Toby Couchman
17. Luciano Leilua

The Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Tesi Niu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Kenneath Bromwich
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Euan Aitken
13. Max Plath
14. Felise Kaufusi
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Ray Stone
17. Tevita Pangai Junior

Dragons v Dolphins betting predictions

Winners of the last two matches against the Dragons, Wayne Bennett’s side should be confident of getting the job done. They have also won five of their seven away matches this season, while the Dragons have conceded 122 in their past four matches at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. As the slight underdog, back the Dolphins to win at +109 with BoomBet.

With the highest total points line of the round at 53.5 points, top Rugby League bookmakers are expecting this game to be a shootout. The Dolphins have gone over the total points line in each of their past three matches and are one of the top-five highest scoring sides in the NRL. Given they scored 38 points last time these sides met, expect plenty of scoring once again as this match goes over 53.5 points at -109.89.

Playing as the replacement fullback for the Dolphins, 27-year-old Trai Fuller has been very serviceable when required this season. With three tries in six games and an average of 183 run metres, Fuller looks set to trouble the Dragons defence. Given Tabuai-Fidow scored a hattrick last time these sides met, back Fuller in the same role to get over the line at $2.40 with top sports oddsmakers.

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