Dolphins v Titans: Plath, Stone return; Hannay sticks solid

The Dolphins are back at Suncorp Stadium for a Sunday afternoon Queensland derby against the Titans and fans will be hoping both sides have been working on their defence this week.

As was the pattern in 2025, the Dolphins showed they have strike and can attack from anywhere, posting 30 points, but leaked 40 in their first-up loss to the Rabbitohs.

Despite the return of big boppers Thomas Flegler and Tom Gilbert, the Dolphins were still down on their forward stocks, but there is some good news for Kristian Woolf this week with a few more of his 'hard men' Max Plath and Ray Stone back fit. 

After showing some much promise in the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge, the Titans were dismantled by the Sharks in a disappointing start to new coach Josh Hannay's reign. 

The Gold Coast side were never in the match, on the back foot early and trailed 34-0 at the break, eventually going down 50-10.

The major bright spot in a difficult afternoon was a try on debut to powerful winger Siale Faeamani at they mounted a mini-comeback in the second half.

Team News

Dolphins: Max Plath is set to complete his comeback from an ACL tear via the interchange after making a successful return to the field in Queensland Cup last week. Brad Schneider again starts at hooker while Ray Stone is in the mix for his first game of the season and has been listed on the bench. One change in Saturday's 24-hour update with Sebastian Su'a dropping off the bench and Brian Pouniu added to the interchange in jumper No.22. Lewis Symonds remains in the extended squad as 20th man.

Titans: Sam Verrills is on track to take his place in the team despite suffering a sternum injury in last Saturday's loss to the Sharks. Jensen Taumoepeau was added the the six-man bench on Saturday and is in the mix for an NRL debut. Zane Harrison drops out of the squad and will travel to Cairns to play Queensland Cup. 

Stat Attack

• The Dolphins have won five of their six games against the Titans.
• Titans centre Phillip Sami has scored four tries in his last four games against the Dolphins.
• Dolphins winger Selwyn Cobbo requires one try for 50 NRL tries.
• The Titans have conceded 118 points in their last three games at Suncorp Stadium.
• Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored 17 tries in his last 11 games at Suncorp Stadium.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.