LIVE NRL: Dolphins strike first blood in defensive battle against Roosters

LIVE NRL: Dolphins strike first blood in defensive battle against Roosters

The Dolphins have finally broken the deadlock, with forward Ray Stone barging over from close range. They lead the Roosters 6-0 after 25 minutes at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters have had a few opportunites at the Dolphins line, but the away side have been brave in defense.

Other than Stone’s try and a trademark bonecrushing hit from Felise Kaufusi on milestone man Luke Keary, it’s mostly been an eventless first half.

Round 24

MATCH CENTRE: Sydney Roosters vs the Dolphins live scores, teams, videos

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MATCH PREVIEW

The Roosters will be desperate to keep their finals hopes alive on Saturday night when they face Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins.

Trent Robinson’s side have given themself no room for error in the race for post-season football with a loss finishing their season.

Drew Hutchison has been named at halfback, with Sandon Smith on the bench which could see the rookie shift in to dummy-half to replace Brandon Smith.

Elsewhere, Dylan Napa returns to the NRL after signing with the Roosters mid-season.

For the Dolphins, Kodi Nikorima lines up at fullback which has shifted Origin star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in to the centres.

Isaiya Katoa and Sean O’Sullivan partner in the halves with Anthony Milford on the bench in the utility role.

Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Sandon Smith 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Terrell May 17. Dylan Napa 22. Corey Allan

Dolphins team: 1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Valynce Te Whare 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Ray Stone 15. Josh Kerr 16. Anthony Milford 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Herman Ese’ese

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