Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe was confident the new-found fitness and depth from his side could help them claim their first ever win over the Raiders in Canberra to launch Round 12.
It has been a frustrating season to date for the versatile Central Charlestown Butcher Boys junior, who has only played three games so far this year, with a hamstring injury proving hard to shake.
However, after making a successful return in his side’s win over the Rabbitohs last week – where he was required to step in at five-eighth when Kodi Nikorima succumbed to a hamstring injury – Donoghoe was looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“It's been a bit of a rough, annoying sort of journey at the start of the year, but just to be able to finish the game healthy was pretty positive for me.
“It's been a minor injury that just keeps coming back.
“I'll be going good for a few weeks and then it'll sort of come back and it's been a bit like that for the last few months, so I think I'm past it now which is good and I was happy to get through that.
“I suppose I wasn't really preparing for that.
“It's been a while, you could probably tell by my kick, but no, it was good fun out there.
“The boys at my edge, Connolly and Herbie, they're great help.
“I really enjoyed it. It was fun.”
After a mixed bag to start the season, winning only two of their opening five games and posting a heavy Round 5 loss at Kayo Stadium to the Sea Eagles, the Dolphins have bounced back to win three in a row to push into the top eight.
Known primarily for their attack, the Dolphins were able to frustrate the Rabbitohs in their first half during their 32-10 win, keeping them scoreless until the 63rd minute.
“They're a great attacking team and for us to defend like we did was a real big positive for us,” Donoghoe said.
“They threw a lot at us and the boys they've been trying really hard with our defence, so it's good to see it paying off.”
This week however, the Dolphins have been the team most impacted by State of Origin, with four of their players in the Queensland Maroons 19, while Maroons number 20 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will return for club duties.
In a late blow, strike centre Herbie Farnworth is also out with hamstring tightness.
Up against a Raiders side fresh from a Magic Round bye, the Fiji international said he had no doubts the Dolphins could still get the job done, even without the likes of superstars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Tom Flegler and Origin debutant Max Plath.
“We've got some great players missing out playing Cup, look at Trai Fuller, Oryn Keeley, they played with us all year last year and unfortunately not playing with us at the moment," Donoghoe said.
“I think we've definitely got the depth there and we showed that last year with all the injury toll we had.
“There’s a great buzz in the group at the moment; you can tell the training on the field.
“Everyone's really good mates, so everyone's enjoying each other's company and I think it's showing on the field as well.
All Tries - Rabbitohs v Dolphins - Round 11, 2026
“We've got that game going into a bye, so we can empty the tank into that game.
“We're really looking forward for that challenge going down there and getting a win.
“I don't think we’ve there before, so it’ll be a good one.”
Match: Raiders v Dolphins
Round 12 -
home Team
Raiders
12th Position
away Team
Dolphins
8th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
