Entering their fourth NRL season and still searching for a maiden finals appearance, the Dolphins will hope to kickstart 2026 with a victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs look rejuvenated after a horror run of injuries contributed to their 14th-place finish in 2025.

A fit Cody Walker returns in the halves, while Latrell Mitchell shifts to the centres to accommodate fullback Jye Gray.

New recruit David Fifita will start in the back row after joining from the Titans while former Storm hooker Bronson Garlick also makes his club debut.

All eyes will be on Alex Johnston, who sits two shy of equalling Ken Irvine’s all-time try-scoring record and a hat-trick away from breaking it.

Two recruits start for the Dolphins, with Selwyn Cobbo named on the wing and English forward Morgan Knowles handed the No.13 jersey, while ex-Panther Brad Schneider looks set to come off the interchange.

South Sydney defeated the Dolphins in Round 1 last season before Bennett’s side was thumped 50-28 by his former club in the return fixture. How will this one play out?

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the final game of NRL Round 1, check out our Dolphins vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below.

The Dolphins vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The final game of NRL Round 1 sees the Dolphins welcome the South Sydney Rabbitohs to Suncorp Stadium.

There’s no denying that the Bunnies were tormented by injuries last season as they slumped to 14th.

They should be a lot more competitive this year as they welcome back their stars and welcome onboard human wrecking ball David Fifita.

However, they still have to deal with a number of outs, with half of their spine sidelined for this one with both Brandon Smith and Jamie Humphreys unavailable.

They also despise playing at this particular stadium, losing their last five matches at Suncorp.

The Dolphins were building towards something special last term, so look to them to continue that in 2026.

In Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow they possess one of the NRL’s most lethal combinations and we back these two to link up and lead the Phins to victory here.

Betting tip: The Dolphins.

First Try Scorer Prediction

With five in his last five and a hat-trick in his last NRL outing, we simply can’t go past Dolphins’ main man Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow here.

Although keep an eye on Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston as he looks to finally break Ken Irvine’s all-time try scoring record.

Betting tip: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of the Dolphins' last six matches at Suncorp Stadium have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (43.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

The home team has covered the line in 11 of South Sydney's last 12 matches.

Betting tip: The Dolphins (-1.5) line.

The Dolphins vs Rabbitohs Teams

The Dolphins Team List

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jake Averillo

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Selwyn Cobbo

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa (c)

8. Tom Gilbert (c)

9. Kurt Donoghoe

10. Tom Flegler

11. Connelly Lemuelu

12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

13. Morgan Knowles

14. Brad Schneider

15. Oryn Keeley

16. Felise Kaufusi

17. Trai Fuller

18. Sebastian Su'a

19. Brent Woolf

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List

1. Jye Gray

2. Alex Johnston

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Jack Wighton

5. Campbell Graham

6. Cody Walker

7. Ashton Ward

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Bronson Garlick

10. Keaon Koloamatangi

11. David Fifita

12. Euan Aitken 

13. Cameron Murray (c)

14. Peter Mamouzelos 

15. Tallis Duncan

16. Lachlan Hubner

17. Sean Keppie

18. Jayden Sullivan

19. Moala Graham-Taufa

The Dolphins vs Rabbitohs Match Details

Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEDT.

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.