Just one win away from a maiden NRL Grand Final in only their fourth season, the Dolphins will host the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. 

The Dolphins have won eight on the bounce, most recently prevailing 26-16 in a comeback qualifying final victory over the Warriors in Auckland. 

Meanwhile, the Roosters responded from their loss to the Panthers with a 46-10 semi-final win over the Sharks on Saturday, scoring the most points in a finals match in club history. 

The Roosters receive a major boost for the preliminary final with Sam Walker returning at halfback, seeing Daly Cherry-Evans move back to five-eighth, Hugo Savala shift to the bench and Toby Rodwell drop out. 

The hosts make just one change, with veteran Felise Kaufusi included on the extended interchange in place of Tevita Naufahu, who was unused against the Warriors a fortnight ago. 

The Dolphins have dominated the matchup this season, beating the Roosters 48-10 in Round 15 before completing the sweep with a 26-12 victory in Round 26. Can they complete the hat-trick here? 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this Preliminary Final, check out our Dolphins vs Roosters tips and predictions below!

Dolphins vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The first of this weekend’s two Preliminary Finals sees the Dolphins hosting the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.

Despite this being their first ever finals series, the Phins are just one win away from a maiden Grand Final and actually enter this one as the favourites.

It’s not hard to see why punters have flocked to back Kristian Woolf’s side. They’re on an eight game winning run but turn on the floodlights and their form becomes even more formidable.

The Dolphins have won each of their last 13 night matches and with this one taking place long after the sun goes down on Friday, the Chooks will have their work cut out for them if they want to crash the Phins phestivities. 

That being said, they were seriously impressive in the semi-final smackdown of the Sharks but were aided by early injuries to key Cronulla cogs such as Nicho Hynes. 

Any success they will hope to have here surely hinges on the participation of Sam Walker, who according to reports is set to make a miraculous return in time for this must win match. 

One man who will be desperate to see him return is his halves partner and former Dolphins junior Daly Cherry-Evans.

DCE played his first game for the Phins as a five-year-old and in a truly full-circle moment his NRL career could end back where it all began, as he is set to move to England at the conclusion of the 2026 season. 

Even with the extra emotional surrounding the Tricolours number 7, we still think he needs Walker to win here, as we doubt he can take the likes of Farnworth, Katoa and Tabuai-Fidow, who have all been in career best form, alone. 

So, who wins? Experience does count for plenty in games like this and that is something the Dolphins do not have. 

However, with a capacity home crowd, rampant winning streak and some of the most destructive outside backs in the competition, we can’t help but think the Phins are set to make their first ever finals series one to remember. 

Betting tip: The Dolphins. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Pardon the pun, but Herbie has been going bananas this season for the Phins.

He has scored at least one try in each of the Dolphins' last four matches and we’re backing him to make it five from five with the first four pointer in this one. 

Betting tip: Herbie Farnworth. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the Dolphins' last five matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 44.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

The Dolphins have covered the line in each of their last eight Friday home matches.

Betting tip: Dolphins (-3.5) line. 

Dolphins vs Roosters Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Robert Toia 

Robert Toia has scored a try in each of his last four appearances.

Selwyn Cobbo

Selwyn Cobbo has scored at least one try in each of his last 10 appearances in night matches.

Daniel Tupou

Daniel Tupou has scored at least one try in each of his three previous away appearances against the Dolphins.

Jamayne Isaako

Jamayne Isaako has scored at least one try in each of the Dolphins' last four matches at Suncorp Stadium.

Max Plath

Max Plath has scored a try in each of his two previous appearances against Sydney.

Dolphins vs Roosters Teams 

The Dolphins Team List 

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jack Bostock

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Selwyn Cobbo

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa (c)

8. Tom Flegler

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Tom Gilbert

11. Max Plath

12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

13. Morgan Knowles

14. Kurt Donoghoe

15. Ray Stone

16. Francis Molo

17. Connelly Lemuelu

18. Felise Kaufusi

19. Brad Schneider

Sydney Roosters Team List 

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Sam Walker

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Reece Robson

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Salesi Foketi

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Connor Watson 

15. Angus Crichton

16. Nat Butcher

17. Spencer Leniu 

18. Hugo Savala

19. Cody Ramsay

Dolphins vs Roosters Match Details 

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 

*Odds are subject to change.