As the Dolphins approach their first finals campaign, experienced campaigners Felise Kaufusi and Morgan Knowles know what to expect and can't wait for the challenge.
Inaugural signing and club leader Kaufusi has won two premierships with the Storm, while Knowles boasts four titles with St Helens - both view the Round 26 match-up with the Roosters as the ideal September audition.
“I think it's come at a good time of year,” Kaufusi said.
“We're coming up against the No.3 team, the Sydney Roosters and I'm sure they'll be up for a big one, especially after last week's performance.
“It's a good little audition I think for us for times to come.
“I think it's pretty exciting (to be heading into finals soon), it's uncharted waters for us as a club to be playing the finals, so it’s an exciting time.
“We've played some good footy (during the) last month and I still think you've got to take it week by week.
“We've still got two more regular season games before the new competition kicks off, so all our focus is on this week.”
For Englishman Knowles, who has a remarkable strike rate of never missing finals in 12 years of playing in Super League and NRL, the Roosters provide the ideal test of their credentials.
"We've probably known for a couple of weeks that we're going to be in the finals and it's obviously new for the club and the group," Knowles said.
"It's exciting and we're obviously looking ahead to this week first and then Gold Coast, but we're really looking forward to what's to come and trying to peak at the right time.
"We are just looking for a good performance this week against the Roosters, a top team that are there in the four with us as well, so we'll be looking for a good performance.
"It's not the be all and end all (if we don't win), but we're looking for good performance and hopefully get the result.
"It's clear to see, just looking at the Roosters' team sheet, how many good players they've got right across the park, so it's not a case of circling out of any one individual or anything.
"They're a great team and that's why they've won lot of to competitions, so we have to be really good this weekend."
Match: Roosters v Dolphins
Round 26 -
home Team
Roosters
3rd Position
away Team
Dolphins
4th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
