The NRL's Multicultural Round kicked off with a bang on April 5, 2025, as the Dolphins secured their first win of the season, overpowering the Gold Coast Titans 36-10 at Cbus Super Stadium. The Dolphins, under the guidance of new coach Kristian Woolf, showcased a dominant performance that left the Titans reeling.
From the outset, the Dolphins seized control of the match, leading 16-0 at halftime. Their victory was marked by standout performances from halfback Isaiya Katoa, who was named man-of-the-match, and fellow playmaker Kodi Nikorima. The pair orchestrated the Dolphins' attack, with Katoa's running game and smart passing proving instrumental.
The match began with a significant moment that set the tone for the Titans. In just the second minute, Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was sin-binned for a high tackle on Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi. Referee Wyatt Raymond wasted no time in sending Fa'asuamaleaui to the sidelines, stating, "Tino back in the previous set direct, moderate force contact on Kaufusi. So you are on report and you are in the bin." This early dismissal left the Titans to play with 12 men, and they struggled to recover.
Despite being down a man, the Titans managed to hold off the Dolphins for a brief period, but the visitors capitalized on their opportunities. Jamayne Isaako opened the scoring for the Dolphins in the 10th minute, darting through the Titans' defense to touch down for the first try of the match. The Dolphins continued to apply pressure, and Katoa's brilliance led to Daniel Saifiti crashing over for another try, extending their lead to 16-0 by halftime.
The second half saw the Dolphins maintain their momentum, with Nikorima setting up tireless lock Max Plath for a try shortly after the break. As the Titans struggled to find their rhythm, the Dolphins struck again through Connelly Lemuelu, pushing the score to 28-0. The Titans finally found the try line in the 65th minute with a score from Phil Sami, followed closely by a try from AJ Brimson. However, by then, it was too little, too late for the home side.
Overall, the Titans' discipline was a major concern, with the team conceding nine offloads to three at halftime and making four errors in the first 40 minutes. Coach Des Hasler will undoubtedly be frustrated with his team's lack of discipline, especially given the importance of a strong start that he emphasized in his pre-match press conference.
While the Dolphins celebrated their first victory of the season, the Titans faced the harsh reality of their performance. The absence of key players due to injuries was evident, and the team is expected to welcome back Sam Verrills and Jojo Fifita for their next match, which could provide much-needed reinforcement.
As the match concluded, the Dolphins' win marked a significant turning point for Woolf, who expressed his delight at finally breaking the losing streak. "It feels great to get that first win under our belt," Woolf said. "The boys played with heart and showed what we can do when we stick to our game plan. We need to keep building on this performance moving forward."
In contrast, Fa'asuamaleaui's sin-binning will be under scrutiny as he awaits the match review committee's findings. The Titans will need to address their discipline issues if they hope to turn their season around.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming matches, eager to continue their ascent in the NRL standings. With Katoa and Nikorima leading the charge, they may just have found the winning formula they’ve been searching for.
The NRL's crackdown on high contact has already made an impact this season, with several players being sin-binned for similar offenses. This new approach aims to protect player safety and reduce head injuries, but it has also led to discussions about the balance between safety and the flow of the game.
As the NRL season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and intense rivalries. The Dolphins' victory over the Titans is just one of many stories that will unfold in this exciting season. With teams battling for playoff positions and individual players striving for personal accolades, the drama of the NRL is sure to deliver.
For the Titans, the road ahead will require a reassessment of their strategies and a focus on discipline as they prepare for their next encounter. The Dolphins, on the other hand, will aim to build on their success and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the league.
