NRL Round 6 preview: Dolphins v Panthers betting tips

Best bets for Dolphins vs Panthers

NRL Round 6: Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers preview

The Dolphins and the Penrith Panthers head to Suncorp Stadium in NRL Round 6 for what could prove to be a season-defining clash on Thursday night.

The Panthers are shockingly sitting 1-4 and riding a four-game losing streak — their worst run since 2019.

Coming off several dominant seasons, Penrith’s campaign so far has been plagued by injuries and poor execution. They have some big names back in the mix now, but pressure is mounting on Ivan Cleary’s men to deliver.

The Dolphins, on the other hand, finally clicked in Round 5 with a clinical 36-10 demolition of the Titans.

Their attack fired through Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jamayne Isaako, and they’ll take confidence into this clash with the Panthers.

Still, Penrith have more class across the park and haven’t lost five in a row since 2019, and the top NRL betting sites are predicting them to win with ease at $1.46 odds.

Dolphins vs Panthers Round 6 team news

The Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Max Plath
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Connelly Lemuelu
17. Josh Kerr
18. Sean O’Sullivan
19. Kenneath Bromwich
20. Oryn Keeley
21. Max Feagai
22. Junior Tupou

Tom Gilbert returns from suspension to add steel to the second row, with Max Plath shifting to lock and Felise Kaufusi moving to prop. Ray Stone is suspended, and Mark Nicholls drops to the bench. The backline remains unchanged after a strong showing against the Titans.

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Paul Alamoti
3. Izack Tago
4. Thomas Jenkins
5. Casey McLean
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Luke Sommerton
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Brad Schneider
15. Isaiah Papali’i
16. Liam Henry
17. Luke Garner
18. Daine Laurie
19. Matthew Eisenhuth
20. Trent Toelau
21. Mavrik Geyer
22. Jesse McLean

The Panthers have a massive inclusion with fullback Dylan Edwards returning from a groin injury, pushing Daine Laurie out of the side. Blaize Talagi starts at five-eighth in place of the concussed Jack Cole, while Luke Sommerton replaces the injured Mitch Kenny at hooker. Scott Sorensen also returns in the back row, adding some much-needed punch.

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Dolphins vs Panthers NRL Rd 6 betting predictions

Penrith have looked flat but should bounce back with their full spine reassembled. Edwards’ return is key, and their edge forwards should dominate a reshuffled Dolphins pack. Expect the Panthers to flex their muscle and cover the line at $1.90 with the top online bookmakers.

Jamayne Isaako has scored in back-to-back games and is the Dolphins’ main strike weapon on the edge. He’ll be tested against Penrith’s defence, but with Isaiya Katoa unlocking space and the team’s confidence up, the $2.10 anytime tryscorer odds are still solid value with BetOnline.

This fixture has a history of points, as both previous matchups have gone over 50 in total. The Dolphins finally found some attacking cohesion last week, and the Panthers should hit back on the scoreboard with their key playmakers fit. This could open up into a fast-paced, end-to-end affair, with the over 48 points looking likely.

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