Sharks v Dolphins NRL betting tips & odds – Round 10, 2023

NRL Magic Round continues in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon with the Cronulla Sharks taking on the Dolphins for the first time. The sides are separated by just two competition points, and a win for either team would solidify a position for them in the top four.

The Sharks have lost enforcer Braden Hamlin-Uele to an MCL injury for a month, with Royce Hunt stepping up to the starting 13. Cameron McInnes returns to the interchange bench to accommodate the return of captain Dale Finucane.

The Dolphins have also made several changes with Ray Stone, Robert Jennings and Kurt Donoghue dropping out of the squad for Tesi Niu, Mason Teague and Anthony Milford, who could be a late inclusion in the run-on side. Further changes are expected with Brenko Lee reportedly succumbing to a hamstring injury, which could give cult hero Valynce Te Whare his NRL debut.

The Dolphins could not be meeting the Sharks at a worse time, after Cronulla belted the Cowboys last weekend with superstar halfback Nicho Hynes at the peak of his powers. However, coach Wayne Bennett has already engrained a strong work ethic and toughness into this squad that has seen them win the unwinnable and keep difficult contests close. This match will be a difficult one for the Dolphins, but they should do enough to keep the margin within 9.5 points and cover the line at $1.90 odds with Marantelli Bet.

Should Te Whare make his debut at right centre as expected, he will be the primary target of the Sharks’ left-edge attack. The combination Hynes creates with Matt Moylan, Siosifa Talakai and Ronaldo Mulitalo is almost impossible to stop. Te Whare’s challenge will be holding in the defensive line and avoiding decoy runners in their sweeping plays. The rugby union convert will only need to make one mistake for Mulitalo to score a try ($1.47).

The Dolphins’ potential weakness in defence will double as their biggest attacking weapon. The highlight reels of Te Whare playing Queensland Cup for Redcliffe is as long as it is brilliant. A rare combination of size, speed and agility make him a defensive nightmare, as he only needs possession early in attack to demolish his opposition centre. Talakai is a big body in defence, but the unknown of Te Whare will make the assignment difficult, and that makes the debutant a decent play to score at any time ($3.50).

In dry, sunny conditions at the magnificent Suncorp Stadium, point scoring should come easily for both sides. The Sharks have shown they can pile the points on, as have the Dolphins. Look for both sides to put a show on for the fans in Brisbane with this match exceeding 46.5 points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Kennedy v Tabuai-Fidow

William Kennedy vs Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

The battle of these two fullbacks will be brilliant to watch as they have almost identical playing styles. Their limited passing skills are made up for with their raw speed, sharp footwork and brilliant support play. This match could boil down to that support play entirely, as whoever puts himself in the right place at the right time could give his side a much-needed win.

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