NRL Round 2 Concludes with Dolphins and Knights Victories

NRL Round 2 concluded with the Dolphins defeating the Titans 18-14 and the Knights securing a 36-16 victory over the Sea Eagles. Separately, the Dolphins also defeated the Titans 12-10 in a Witzer Pre-Season Challenge match.

NRL Round 2 Matches

The Dolphins defeated the Titans 18-14 in their 11th meeting since 2023. This hard-fought contest saw a significant second-half turnaround.

At half-time, the Titans led 8-0.

• Final Score: Dolphins 18, Titans 14
• Half-time Score: Titans 8, Dolphins 0

Scoring Events:

• 8th Minute: Titans scored a penalty goal (2-0).
• 34th Minute: Jojo Fifita (Titans) scored the first try, converted by Ilias (8-0).
• 53rd Minute: Finefeuiaki (Dolphins) scored a try, converted by Isaako (Titans led 14-6 at this point).
• 68th Minute: Jake Averillo (Dolphins) scored a try, converted by Isaako (Titans led 14-12).
• 73rd Minute: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins) scored a try, converted by Isaako (Dolphins led 18-14).

Player Information:

• Tom Flegler (Dolphins) left the field with a reported rib issue.
• Ray Stone (Dolphins) was placed on report in the 36th minute.
• Max Plath (Dolphins) started at hooker, with Brad Schneider moving to the bench. Ray Stone was included on the bench.
• Sam Verrills (Titans) played despite a sternum injury. Jensen Taumoepeau (Titans) was added to the six-man bench.

Statistical Notes:

• The Dolphins have won five of their six games against the Titans.
• Titans winger Phillip Sami has scored four tries in his last four games against the Dolphins.
• Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored 17 tries in his last 11 games at Suncorp Stadium.

The Knights defeated the Sea Eagles 36-16 at 4 Pines Park.

• Final Score: Knights 36, Sea Eagles 16

Player Information:

• Kalyn Ponga (Knights) sustained an injury during the game.
• Dylan Brown (Knights) sustained an injury during the game.
• Fletcher Hunt (Knights) shifted to fullback in the second half.
• Jacob Saifiti, Harrison Graham, and Bradman Best (Knights) played key roles.

Witzer Pre-Season Challenge: Dolphins vs. Titans

The Dolphins defeated the Titans 12-10 in Round 2 of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge, held at Kayo Stadium. This pre-season clash also saw a comeback victory for the Dolphins.

• Final Score: Dolphins 12, Titans 10
• Half-time Score: Dolphins 0, Titans 10

First Half Scoring:

• 11th Minute: Lachlan Ilias (Titans) scored the first try.
• 14th Minute: Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans) scored a try, bringing the score to 10-0.

Second Half Events:

The second half began in heavy rain, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.

• A Dolphins challenge for a late tackle was successful, resulting in a penalty, and Tony Francis (Titans) was placed on report.
• Jaylan De Groot (Titans) was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul.
• 51st Minute: Tom Flegler (Dolphins) scored a try, reducing the deficit to 10-6.
• 56th Minute: Zac Garton (Dolphins) scored a try, giving the Dolphins a 12-10 lead.
• 59th Minute: A Titans Captain's Challenge for a knock-on was successful, with the Bunker ruling a strip and awarding a penalty to the Gold Coast.

Player News:

• Tom Flegler (Dolphins) played his first game in 677 days, marking his return from a shoulder nerve injury. This was his first game since April 2024.
• Tom Gilbert (Dolphins) was scheduled to play his first match since Round 11, 2025.
• Jett Liu (Titans) was ruled out due to a head knock sustained in training.