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Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Tips - Phins not phased by Cyclone setback

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: Tue 04 Mar 2025 11:21

Ryan Tucker 04 Mar 2025

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Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs expert predictions for Friday’s Round 1 NRL game
Kick off is at 8:05 PM at Commbank Stadium
Dolphins to win despite game relocation to Sydney.
Key advantage: Dolphins' strong backrow dynamics.
South Sydney hindered by player losses & coaching changes.

Top picks and tips for Round 1 of the NRL - Friday night double!

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Round 1 2025 - Expert Prediction

The Dolphins will win and cover as favourites despite the distraction of this game being moved to Sydney.

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Round 1 2025 - Expert Prediction
Head to Head
Dolphins Form Analysis & Betting Trends
Recent Form
2024 Betting Trends
Dolphins Team News
Dolphins Team List
South Sydney Rabbitohs Form Analysis & Betting Trends
Recent Form
2024 Betting Trends
South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News
South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List
Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL 2025 Round 1 FAQ’s

This matchup will now be played at Commbank Stadium in Parramatta due to a tropical cyclone off the Queensland coast which will definitely affect the preparation of both teams but likely have a greater effect on the Dolphins who will now need to travel to Sydney.

The Dolphins lost 6 of their final 7 games on the road to finish 2024 but have a much better squad on paper compared to the Rabbitohs.

For South Sydney their coaching change will put them in good stead given Wayne Bennett has come directly from the Dolphins but losing Latrell Mitchell and Cam Murray in the pre-season will set them back in terms of dynamic game breakers and leadership.

The Dolphins advantage will come in the backrow with Plath, Finefeuiaki and Gilbert expected to keep the punches rolling putting their team on the front foot to open the game up for the likes of Tabuai-Fidow, Farnworth and Averillo.

Take the Dolphins to cover the short line despite their bad road record last season. The Game Total is a clear Overs play based on defensive trends with both teams while the Hammer at double the money to score a try is always a top class pick.

The Dolphins averaged 26.6 points per game in their first 10 games in 2024 and 24.8 in their first 10 games of 2023.
The Rabbitohs conceded the 3rd most points per game in 2024 at a 28.4 average.
South Sydney had the 2nd worst number for average Run Metres in 2024.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored in 10 of 15 NRL games last season.

Head to Head

These teams have played just twice in the past two years with each club picking up a win. It was the Dolphins who were triumphant last year winning 36-28 at Kayo Stadium.

Both games have gone Over the Game Total.

Dolphins Form Analysis & Betting Trends

Recent Form

The Dolphins once again came roaring out of the blocks last season winning 7 of their first 10 games before going 4-10 to finish the season. 13 of their last 15 games of 2024 were all single digit margins which points to the team being in the game despite picking up a heap of losses.

The team ranked 7th in scoring last season averaging 24 pts per game despite ranking 12th in tackles inside opposition 20m. They were the 10th best defensive team, allowing opponents to score 24.1 pts per game with 40% of opposition tries coming down the right side.

Kristian Woolf has been installed as the new coach after Wayne Bennetts departure. Woolf won 3 straight grand finals (2020-2022) with St Helens in the Super League and has a 54% win record as head coach of Tonga.

2024 Betting Trends

ATS	Over/Under	1-12	13+
13-11	12-12	7-8	4-5

Dolphins Team News

Junior Tupou has snagged a starting wing spot with Jack Bostock picking up an injury in the final trial game. Mr Fix-it Felise Kaufusi will start at prop with Tom Flegler still yet to return from injury while new recruit Daniel Saifiti will line up on the other side.

2024 standout Max Plath has shifted to the edge with the return of Tom Gilbert and will partner Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in a solid backrow trio. Connelly Lemuelu will come off the bench with Kenny Bromwich 18th man.

Dolphins Team List

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jake Averillo

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Junior Tupou

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Felise Kaufusi

11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

12. Max Plath

13. Tom Gilbert

Interchange

14. Kurt Donoghoe

15. Connelly Lemuelu

16. Mark Nicholls

17. Ray Stone

Reserves

18. Kenny Bromwich

19. Josh Kerr

20. Sean O'Sullivan

21. Harrison Graham

22. Max Feagai

South Sydney Rabbitohs Form Analysis & Betting Trends

Recent Form

The Bunnies were struck with the injury bug last season and it has already hit them again to start 2025. The team started 1-9 to start the year before getting back on the horse in the midway point winning 5 in a row and 6 in 7 before losing 7 straight games to finish the year.

In losing games last year the Rabbitohs averaged just 16.2 pts per game compared to 31 a game when they won. There were constant problems within the halves rotations as well as forwards not doing enough to lay a platform finishing 2nd last in average run metres per game.

With Wayne Bennett coming back as coach there will be a greater sense of stability at the club that still have a number of big time players on the books. The forwards still lack depth and experience but young guns are hungry and can have that next man up mentality if it is part of the club culture.

2024 Betting Trends

ATS	Over/Under	1-12	13+
9-15	12-12	2-8	5-9

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News

Jye Gray is the fullback in Latrell Mitchell’s absence while Lachlan Hubner takes the lock position with Cam Murray expected to miss a large chunk of the season with an achilles injury.

Isaiah Tass has moved to the wing to accommodate the return of Campbell Graham with Alex Johnston still out with injury. Jamie Humphreys is the new halfback after Lachlan Ilias was moved on.

Peter Mamouzelos takes ownership of the 9 jumper following the departure of Damian Cook with Jayden Sullivan the utility.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List

1. Jye Gray

2. Isaiah Tass

3. Jack Wighton

4. Campbell Graham

5. Tyrone Munro

6. Cody Walker

7. Jamie Humphreys

8. Sean Keppie

9. Peter Mamouzelos

10. Davvy Moale

11. Keaon Koloamatangi

12. Jai Arrow

13. Lachlan Hubner

Interchange

14. Jayden Sullivan

15. Siliva Havili

16. Tallis Duncan

17. Tevita Tatola

Reserves

18. Liam Le Blanc

19. Fletcher Myers

20. Jacob Host

21. Thomas Fletcher

22. Salesi Ataata

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL 2025 Round 1 FAQ’s

How to watch Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL 2025 Round 1?

You can watch the Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL 2025 Round 1 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchNRL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL 2025 Round 1?

To buy tickets to the Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL 2025 Round 1 game check the NRL website or the official Dolphins site.

Verdict

Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Dolphins -2.5

Line

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