There will be competitive action in the NRL on Thursday, as two sides at contrasting ends of the rugby standings lock horns. The Dolphins currently sit in a playoff spot in the NRL, but they will be looking to respond after losing their previous match.
Meanwhile, the St. George Illawarra Dragons will be looking for a much-needed victory as they bid to move off the bottom of the current standings. You can find the latest rugby odds and our Dolphins vs Dragons prediction here.
Dolphins vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons Information
Dolphins vs St. George Illawarra Dragons
Location of the Game: Dolphin Stadium, Brisbane, Australia
Date and Time: Thursday, May 25, 2023. 5:50 AM ET
How to Watch: NRL Player
Dolphins vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons Recent Scores
Interestingly, this will only be the second clash between the Dolphins and Dragons. The previous encounter came in the fifth round, with the Dragons landing a 38-12 success in Wollongong. Mikaele Ravalawa scored two tries in that success of the Dragons. However, the recent form could make for more compelling reading before making rugby league predictions for this showdown.
Dolphins vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons Betting Analysis
Dolphins Facts To Know
It has been an excellent debut campaign in the NRL to this point for the Dolphins, and they appear to have a standout chance of finishing the season in the playoff spots. However, the team will be looking for an immediate response on Thursday after they were beaten 24-16 in a fiery encounter against the Storm over the weekend. That defeat means that they have now lost two of their last three, while they have still landed two victories over their last four.
Their performance against the Storm wasn’t a bad outing for the Dolphins, but their ill-discipline was ultimately costly in the defeat. But, they have a positive record at Dolphins Stadium, having previously landed a victory over the Raiders earlier in the campaign. But, they will need a better performance than they managed in their previous clash against the Dragons.
St. George Illawarra Dragons Facts To Know
The Dragons remain at the bottom of the standings, as they have won just three of their opening eight matches this season. However, there were at least glimpses of a recovery in their previous outing, as they scored a dramatic last-minute try to secure a 24-22 victory over the Roosters. That success ended a three-game winless run, which also saw them suffer defeats against the Wests Tigers and Cowboys.
One of the biggest factors that contributed toward the success was the change in direction at the Dragons. Anthony Griffin was removed as head coach just days before the Dragons took to the field, and the team looked more united as they dominated for long periods against the Roosters. Building on that early promise will be key, but it would be dangerous to overlook them when making a Dolphins vs Dragons prediction.
Updates
Mark Nicholls will return for the Dolphins this week, but the hosts will be without Tim Gilbert and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Meanwhile, the Dragons will call up Jayden Sullivan to replace Ben Hunt, while Jack Bird should also be fit to return.
Dolphins vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons Betting Preview
Moneyline: Dolphins: -173, St. George Illawarra Dragons: +140
Spread: Dolphins (-4.5): -105, St. George Illawarra Dragons (+4.5): -115
Over/Under Totals: Over 44.5 (-110) Under 44.5 (-110)
Dolphins vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons Betting Prediction
The previous clash between the sides is hard to overlook before making a Dolphins vs Dragons prediction. But, we believe that the previous outing for the Dragons is the key piece of form. They were incredibly competitive against the Roosters last weekend, and we could see a similar performance this week.
- Pick: St. George Illawarra Dragons (+150)
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