Josh Kerr has inspired the Dolphins to their first win over Melbourne in his 100th NRL game.
The forward was injected into the contest with his team trailing 16-2 and made an instant impact to swing the game in his team's favour. Kerr crossed for a try soon after entering the match and didn't let up to lay the platform for a 42-22 victory.
Halves Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima were outstanding, surgically picking apart the Storm defence. Such was the Dolphins' dominance, the hosts turned a 16-2 deficit into a 42-16 lead before Melbourne crossed in the final play of the game.
The match took a toll on both sides, with Dolphins duo Max Plath (foot) and Felise Kaufusi (knee) unable to finish the contest. Storm centre Jack Howarth was also injured, dislocating his shoulder midway through the first half.
Earlier in the day, records tumbled at Accor Stadium as the Canterbury Bulldogs maintained their undefeated start to the season with a dominant victory over South Sydney.
A crowd of 65,305 fans descended on the ground to watch the Bulldogs prevail 32-0 in the annual clash. The attendance was the biggest for a standalone NRL game in the competition's history, eclipsing the old mark set in 2013.
Canterbury's victory saw them maintain their position on top of the ladder and climb to 6-0 for the first time since 1938.
It was also the first time in club history the Bulldogs have kept their opponents scoreless in consecutive games, having defeated Newcastle 20-0 in Round 5.
Canterbury currently have the best defence in the competition and it was on show at Accor Stadium on Friday afternoon. Cameron Ciraldo's side suffocated their opponents and forced the Rabbitohs into untimely errors.
The Bulldogs were good enough to take advantage of their opportunities and jumped out to a 20-0 half-time lead before they closed out the game after the break.
The win came at a cost, with Jack Todd suffering a suspected fractured arm while Rabbitohs forward Lachlan Hubner left the contest early due to a head knock.
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Dolphins v Storm at Suncorp Stadium
Press conferences:Both coaches are sure to have plenty of thoughts on an eventful contest at Suncorp Stadium so be sure to check out the live stream to for all the wash up from the Dolphins' win over Melbourne.
Full-time:Just nine days ago, the Dolphins had never beaten the Panthers or Storm in their history. Now, Kristian Woolf's men has defeated both of last year's grand finalists and claimed their first win over each club in the process.
This week's performance was particularly impressive. The Dolphins looked in dire straights trailing 16-2 after 20 minutes. Woolf then inject Josh Kerr into the contest and the prop completely flipped the match in his 100th NRL game.
Kerr scored a crucial try, forced multiple errors and laid the platform for halves Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima to pick apart the Melbourne defence. The duo combined for a series of highlight reel tries, sending the 28,024 fans at Suncorp Stadium into raptures.
The Storm scored in the final minutes through winger Kane Bradley, but by that point the Dolphins already had the result in the bag.Dolphins 42 - Storm 22
73rd minute: The onslaught continues, with the Dolphins capitalising on another Melbourne error. Herbie Farnworth picked up a loose ball before standing up Jahrome Hughes and producing a spectacular swan dive to put an exclamation point on the try.
Herbie Farnworth Try
The hosts have now scored 40-straight points and Melbourne are in danger of conceding the dreaded 50 points if things continue this way in the final seven minutes.Dolphins 42 - Storm 16
65th minute:The Dolphins have now scored six-consecutive tries in a stunning turnaround in this match. Isaiya Katoa is pulling the strings and picking apart the Melbourne defence.
The halfback identified Ryan Papenhuyzen was out of position and took advantage, producing a pinpoint kick for his halves partner Kodi Nikorima to pounce on before it went dead.
In less positive news for the hosts, Felise Kaufusi has been ruled out for the remainder of the match with an MCL injury. With Max Plath also sidelined, the Dolphins have just two players left on the bench. Dolphins 36 - Storm 16
61st minute:Ray Stone hadn't scored a try since Round 24, 2023 before tonight's match, he now has two in the space of 14 minutes. Just like his first try, the hardworking forward was backing up and pushing through in support, putting himself in the right place to capitalise on the brilliance of his teammates.
This time it was Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who claimed an uncontested bomb, before linking up with Stone to push the lead out to 14. Dolphins 30 - Storm 16
54th minute:It takes something special to break down this Melbourne defensive line and Isaiaya Katoa has done exactly that. Moments after the Storm came agonisingly close to scoring, the Dolphins found themselves at the other end of the field on the attack.
Katoa threw two dummies to fix the defenders before he hit Connelly Lemuelu with a superb short ball for another spectacular try.Dolphins 24 - Storm 16
46th minute:We have a contender for try of the year. Kodi Nikorima has thrown a dummy, hit the accelerator and gone straight through the Storm defensive line before producing a spectacular flick pass to Ray Stone, who did the rest to put his side in front for the first time tonight.
The Dolphins have now scored three-straight tries to surge past their opponents and take control of this contest.Dolphins 18 - Storm 16
Half-time:The match has completely shifted in the final stages of the half, Josh Kerr playing a big role in swinging the game in his team's favour. In 14 minutes, Kerr scored a try, had seven carries for 52 metres and broke three tackles.
The forward's entry to the field helped slow the Storm momentum and put the Dolphins on the front foot. Kerr forced an error off a kick, providing the hosts with an attacking set of six. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow came close on the right flank, before Jack Bostock exacted a dose of revenge on Kane Bradley, returning the favour to leap over his opposite man and cut the deficit to four at the break. Dolphins 12 - Storm 16
29th minute:The Dolphins are back in this after Josh Kerr carried three Melbourne defenders over the tryline to score in his 100th NRL game. The attacking opportunity came after Cameron Munster conceded a penalty and this time the hosts capitalised.
Kerr was impressive in last week's win over Penrith and the front rower was in the thick of things just moments after he was injected into the contest.Dolphins 8 - Storm 16
19th minute:The Dolphins came agonisingly close to hitting back, with Jack Bostock soaring through the air in an effort to ground the ball in the corner. The Melbourne cover defence had other ideas, Grant Anderson forcing the ball loose as the winger was tackled into touch.
The Storm then turned attack into defence, Xavier Coates streaking down the field before he was reeled in. A few plays later Ryan Papenhuyzen produced a piece of individual brilliance to sneak down the short side and cross for his side's third try.
Both teams have been dealt a blow early in the contest with Dolphins Max Plath leaving the field and heading straight up the tunnel with a foot concern while Melbourne centre Jack Howarth dislocated his shoulder in a tackle. Joe Chan is currently defending in the centres in his place.Dolphins 2 - Storm 16
13th minute:Melbourne have made a habit of punishing their opponents' errors and they've continued that trend early in this one. Isaiya Katoa put the kick off out on the full, providing the Storm another attacking opportunity.
A set restart compounded the issue before Cam Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen orchestrated a slick left-edge play to put Xavier Coates over in the corner.Dolphins 2 - Storm 12
10th minute:It hasn't taken long for Kane Bradley to make an impact in his first NRL match of the season. The winger was a late inclusion into the Melbourne side and he quickly showed why, leaping over Jack Bostock to pluck a bomb out of the air and put his side on the scoreboard.
The Dolphins opened the scoring through a 4th-minute penalty goal, but it was a penalty to the Storm that put the visitors on the attack and they quickly capitalised. Dolphins 2 - Storm 6
Kickoff:We are underway at Suncorp Stadium as the Dolphins chase their first victory over the Storm in the club's short history. Both teams have impressive records at the Brisbane venue, with the hosts winning three of their past four games at the ground. Melbourne also thrive in Brisbane and they have produced some entertaining performances throughout an impressive start to the season.
Stats that matter:
- The Dolphins have won three of their past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Storm have scored 102 points in three wins against the Dolphins.
- Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored four tries in his past two games.
- Storm winger Grant Anderson has scored five tries in his past four games.
- Dolphins prop Josh Kerr will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Late mail:Both sides have made changes in the final update 60 minutes before kickoff, with Melbourne's Kane Bradley set for his first NRL game of the season. The 25-year-old comes in on the wing, with Sua Fa'alogo reverting to 18th man. The changes come after Harry Grant was ruled out on Thursday night with a hamstring injury. Bronson Garlick will start at hooker. Craig Bellamy said pre-game that Grant is facing 4-6 weeks on the sideliens.
As for the Dolphins, Jeremy Marshall-King's late withdrawal due to a laceration has triggered a pair of forward pack reshuffles. Now the dust has settled, Max Plath will start at hooker, with Mark Nicholls promoted to the starting side at prop and Felise Kaufusi shifting to lock. Kurt Donoghoe will begin the game on the bench, alongside Ray Stone, who was added to the 17 as Marshall-King's replacement.
Bulldogs v Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium
Press conferences:There will be plenty to discuss from a Good Friday epic, with Canterbury extending a stunning start to the season. The Rabbitohs were slowly worn down throughout the contest and were unable to crack the Bulldogs' impenetrable defence. Be sure to check out the live stream to hear what the coaches and captains made of a record-breaking afternoon at Accor Stadium.
Full-time:Canterbury have held South Sydney scoreless for just the second time in their 90-year history, slowly suffocating the Rabbitohs to claim a comprehensive 32-0 victory in front of a record crowd.
The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Bulldogs in the annual Good Friday clash and solidified their place at the top of the ladder.Bulldogs 32 - Rabbitohs 0
70th minute:Canterbury have spent much of the second half camped down the Rabbitohs end of the field and they have now turned territory into points, with Bronson Xerri crashing over.
The Bulldogs are just 10 minutes away from their first 6-0 start to a season since 1938. They are also closing in on a slice of club history, having never maintained a clean sheet in consecutive games. Canterbury defeated Newcastle 20-0 in their last match.Bulldogs 32 - Rabbitohs 0
67th minute: The Bulldogs fans promised to turn up for their side and they did not disappoint, with a record crowd of 65,305 descending on Accor Stadium for the Good Friday clash. The attendance is the biggest for a standalone NRL regular season game, eclipsing the 59,708 that watched the Rabbitohs play the Roosters in Round 26, 2013.
Canterbury have delivered for their fans, suffocating the Rabbitohs and forcing their opponents into errors. South Sydney have defended valiantly but have not been given a sniff all afternoon.Bulldogs 26 - Rabbitohs 0
55th minute:The Bulldogs have been dealt a blow with rookie Jack Todd ruled out for the remainder of the match with a suspected broken arm. It's a devastating outcome for the forward, who fractured both arms last season.
South Sydney have also injected Lewis Dodd into the contest, the Englishman looking to spark his side in his NRL debut.Bulldogs 26 - Rabbitohs 0
43rd minute:That is exactly the start Cameron Ciraldo wanted to see from his team. The Bulldogs were straight back on the attack and Jacob Preston capitalised on a retreating Rabbitohs defence, running directly at Cody Walker and physically overpowering the halfback.
Latrell Mitchell has shifted from five-eighth to centre in a bid to open up his running game and provide his side with an attacking spark, with Jack Wighton stepping into the halves. Bulldogs 26 - Rabbitohs 0
Half-time:The Bulldogs fans have turned out in force for the annual Good Friday clash and the players have not disappointed, turning on a clinic at Accor Stadium. Cameron Ciraldo's men showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion, instead putting the Rabbitohs under pressure and capitalising when opportunities opened up. The pack was outstanding, rolling through the middle with ball in hand and suffocating their opponents in defence.
Canterbury completed 25 of 27 sets of six, compared to South Sydney's 15 from 18, and held 63% of possession to 37%. The Rabbitohs were forced to make 95 more tackles throughout the opening 40 and the toll of the additional workload became clear in the final 10 minutes of the half as gaps started to open up. Wayne Bennett will have to work all of his magic to orchestrate a second-half comeback but you can never count out a side with Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker pulling the strings.Bulldogs 20 - Rabbitohs 0
34th minute:This game is starting to open up for Canterbury, as they start to capitalise on the pressure and fatigue they've built throughout the past 30 minutes. This time Kurt Mann breaks a tackle in the middle of the field to create a second-phase play and quickly shifts the ball right. Stephen Crichton puts Jacob Kiraz away down the right flank before Sitili Tupouniua finishes it off.Bulldogs 20 - Rabbitohs 0
25th minute:The Bulldogs continue to pile on the pressure and while South Sydney initially held firm, it was only a matter of time before they broke through. This time it was Curran's fellow prop Max King, the forward charging through a stretched defensive line from short range.
The Rabbitohs are defending valiantly but Canterbury are not giving them an inch and untimely errors and penalties are proving costly. Euan Aitken has now returned from the sin bin and South Sydney need to strike before half-time.
18th minute:Canterbury are in complete control, dominating the possession stat and putting South Sydney under a mountain of pressure. The Rabbitohs are scrambling desperately but their cause just got significantly tougher, with Euan Aitken sent to the sin bin for impeding Matt Burton as he chased a grubber. The Bulldogs took the two to extend their lead.
Things continue to go downhill for Wayne Bennett's men, with Lachlan Hubner taken from the field and quickly ruled out of the contest after a heavy head knock when attempting to make a tackle in the set after points. Bulldogs 8 - Rabbitohs 0
11th minute:The Bulldogs fans are on their feet after Josh Curran crashed over for the first try of the match. The four-pointer is the Bulldogs' 1000th try at Accor Stadium. Curran may have shifted to the middle for today's game but that hasn't slowed him down, the prop producing a superb piece of late footwork to break through the defensive line.
Canterbury had slowly turned the screws throughout the opening 10 minutes, putting South Sydney under pressure before eventually forcing an error that opened up the attacking opportunity.Bulldogs 6 - Rabbitohs 0
Kickoff:A record crowd has descended on Accor Stadium, with around 70,000 fans packing into the ground to create an atmosphere like no other. The Bulldogs fans hold the advantage and they delivered a massive roar when their side ran on to the field. The Canterbury players have spoken about applying the lessons of last year's finals disappointment as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season, while South Sydney are out to extend their six-game winning streak on Good Friday.
Late mail:The Bulldogs have received a major boost, with punishing forward Viliame Kikau added to the team in Friday's final team update. The backrower will start in his return from a knee injury, with Josh Curran shifting to prop and Daniel Suluka-Fifita reverting to 18th man. The Rabbitohs will line up 1-17, with Cody Walker and Campbell Graham cleared to return from injury.
Stats that matter:
- The Bulldogs have conceded 14 points in their past three games.
- The Rabbitohs have won their last six Good Friday games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton has scored 11 tries in 12 games against the Rabbitohs.
- Rabbitohs five-eighth Latrell Mitchell has won 11 consecutive games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs require one try for 1,000 tries at Accor Stadium.
