Tipsters are backing the Knights to begin their season with an impeccable 2-0 record as the Dolphins 'an unlucky beginning to the season is made worse by an 'intriguing' aspect of the schedule.'
After having their home first match versus the Rabbitohs Last week, I relocated to Sydney because of the approaching Cyclone Alfred. As a result, the Dolphins will have their second consecutive away game when they head to an enthusiastic Newcastle with only six days between matches for Thursday evening’s kickoff in round two.
Facing two consecutive matches against different states would pose a tough challenge for any team right from the beginning. With the Dolphins additionally lacking several crucial forward players because of injuries, Kristian Woolf’s squad finds itself in a challenging position.
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Fascinating, this marks the Dolphins' second consecutive away game with only a six-day break between matches; that will surely have an impact, Andrew Johns mentioned on ABC's 'Wide World of Sports' Freddy and The Eight's Advice .
Brad Fittler responded, "They’re also lacking a couple of back-rowers, (Kulikefu) Finefeuiaki and (Connelly) Lemuelu, who are both absent as well; these are usually key attacking options from the back row."
John acknowledged that losing two key players was significant, noting how different things looked compared to the standout performance of Knights’ back-rower Dylan Lucas in round one. This followed his impressive showing towards the end of last season, where he earned a spot in the Prime Minister’s XIII team.
Johns and Fittler both predicted the Knights would emerge victorious, with their views aligning perfectly with those of Nine’s other analysts. However, Fittler managed to spot a tiny glimmer of optimism for the Dolphins based on their team lineup.
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Fittler commented, 'Disappointed with how the troops have been performing lately; however, they will welcome back Kodi Nikorima, whose creative play could help them stay competitive.'
One of the three Dolphin players who missed the team's round one match against the Rabbitohs was Nikorima. He decided to remain at home to support his family in preparing for the approaching cyclone.
Nikorima's expectant spouse Bree strongly criticized the NRL for rescheduling the week one match instead of canceling it, calling their choice "repulsive." She expressed this opinion in a social media post which she subsequently removed.
Check out the updated leaderboard further down along with Round 2 picks from all of Nine's expert tipsters!
Andrew Johns: Knavs, Seagulls, Felines, Serpents, Fish, Colts, Beasts, Hounds
Brad Fittler: Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dragons, Sharks, Broncos, Tigers, Bulldogs
Darren Lockyer: Dolphins, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dragons, Sharks, Broncos, Eels, Bulldogs
Danika Mason: Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dragons, Sharks, Broncos, Tigers, Bulldogs
Johnathan Thurston: Knavs, Marine Eagles, Wyverns, Felines, Drovers, Horsesmen, Beasts, Pioneers
Paul Gallen: Knavs, Seagulls, Felines, Serpents, Fish, Colts, Beasts, Hounds
Ruan Sims: Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sharks, Brisbane Broncos, Eels, Bulldogs
Mat Thompson: Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dragons, Sharks, Broncos, Tigers, Titans
Peter Psaltis: Dolphins, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dragons, Sharks, Broncos, Eels, Titans
David Middleton: Knavs, Seabirds, Wildcats, Firedrakes, Fishes, Golden Falcons, Stripers, Alsatians
Michael Chammas: Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dragons, Sharks, Broncos, Tigers, Bulldogs
The Mole: Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dragons, Sharks, Broncos, Eels, Bulldogs
Ben Glover: Knavs, Marine Eagles, Felines, Serpents, Fishers, Aqaus, Stripers, Canines
