The Wests Tigers are geared up for a pivotal clash against the Dolphins as they head into Round 3 of the 2025 NRL season. Having started the season with mixed results, the Tigers are aiming to capitalize on their recent 32-6 victory over the Parramatta Eels. Coach Benji Marshall is optimistic about his team’s fortitude, especially after bouncing back from an earlier loss to the Newcastle Knights.
The match, set to take place at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. AEDT, is a crucial inflection point for both teams. The Tigers are keen on establishing momentum, while the Dolphins are under pressure to secure their first win following two losses. Their season began with a tight loss against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, followed by a more significant 26-12 defeat to the Knights.
League legend Steve Roach spoke about the necessity for the Tigers to secure their young star, Lachlan Galvin, who has garnered attention as one of the hottest free agents of the season. “The Tigers have got to get a break sooner or later,” Roach remarked. “A huge win would be to lock this kid up for a long period of time. The only problem is now it’s a big business, they have got to be able to convince him.” With Galvin set to enter free agency on November 1, the pressure is on management to formulate a competitive offer that will keep him with the Tigers.
Amid this swirling uncertainty surrounding contracts, Marshall has taken a practical approach, emphasizing that his job is to coach while the negotiations unfold. “You just watch him on the weekend, he just wants to play,” Marshall noted, redirecting focus away from contract talks and onto the field performance. Galvin has been instrumental in the Tigers’ gameplay, particularly in their recent win where he worked effectively alongside marquee recruit Jarome Luai. Their dynamic on the field rises in importance as they strive for consistency and improvement this season.
The Tigers' improved defense has also been a significant factor early in the season, reversing their previous trend of being one of the league’s most porous defenses. Last season, the Tigers leaked a staggering 750 points, a situation Roach pointed out, saying, “The thing that got me excited... was a big effort, I would have thought years gone by winning 32-28 is a good win for them, but generally the best defensive sides win the competition.” This year, they’ve allowed an average of just eight points per game, an impressive turnaround that has rallied their fan base and instilled hope.
On the other hand, the Dolphins are seeking resolution after a tumultuous start, having suffered setbacks that include needing to relocate their early matches due to the impact of Cyclone Alfred. As they gear up to face the Tigers, there's a palpable urgency. Roach, reflecting on the Dolphins, asserted, “Playing at home, Kayo Stadium, Tigers have to travel up there... I reckon the Dolphins in the first 20 minutes, if I was Benji I’d say ‘get ready’. Because these guys are going to come after you.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. As Roach identifies key players to watch, including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth for the Dolphins, it's evident that both teams are equipped with talent capable of changing the game. Roach noted, “I’d like to see their halfback run the football a little bit... we see what a great young talent he is, calm and cool under pressure.” The battle on the field promises to be a fierce one, with both sides hungry for a win that could define their season.
With the anticipation building, fans are advised not to miss the action as the Wests Tigers face the Dolphins live on Fox League and stream online via services like Kayo. The match serves not only as a sport-centric spectacle but as a critical juncture for both teams as they navigate the complexities of a fresh season.
As kickoff approaches, the Tigers must prioritize their strategies and protect their defense against the early onslaught that the Dolphins are sure to bring. Meanwhile, the Dolphins will look to tap into their home advantage to secure their first victory of the season. This game is more than just two points in a standings; it can redefine the futures of both franchises, making for an exciting confrontation in the NRL landscape.
