Friday night lights: Titans v Dolphins; Rabbitohs v Roosters
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We kick off Friday night footy on the Gold Coast where the Titans are out to finish a horror season a high by taking down the finals-bound Dolphins.
Tipped by many to be big improvers in 2026, the Titans enter the final round with the same number of wins (6) that they managed last season.
The Dolphins have motored along in the opposite direction and will play finals for the first time on the back of a classy backline and hard-working forward pack.
The Phins look to have all bases covered as they prepare to chase history across the next month and they will be determined not to suffer a setback on the Goldie on the eve of the finals.
From there we head to Allianz Stadium for another emotion-charged night as Jai Arrow leads the Bunnies out in his 100th game for the foundation club.
The Roosters have opted to rest their big guns but Wayne Bennett will be wary of his team letting their guard down on the eve of the finals.
Follow all the action from Round 27 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com's live blog.
Titans v Dolphins at Cbus Super Stadium
Match: Titans v Dolphins
Round 27 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Titans v Dolphins: Round 27
Late Mail
Titans: Beau Fermor will line up at centre in his return from a rib injury with Jaylan de Groot a late scratching due to a knee injury. That brings Josh Patston into the starting side in the second row and Arama Hau onto the bench. The loss of Oliver Pascoe to concussion sees Luke Sommerton take over in the No.9 with Sam Verrills joining the bench for his first NRL game since Round 23. Development player Sunny Kama has been named on the six-man bench but isn't expected to make his NRL debut.
Dolphins: No further game day changes after Kodi Nikorima (hamstring tightness) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (knee) came out of the side on Thursday. Winger Selwyn Cobbo (ankle) is also being given a break. Brian Pouniu will start in the back row with Tevita Naufahu on the left wing and Jake Averillo at five-eighth. Back-rower Connelly Lemuelu will return via the bench after two games out with a hamstring injury. The Phins have never lost to the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.
Numbers Game
- The Titans have conceded 180 points in five consecutive losses.
- The Dolphins have won all three games against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.
- Titans winger Phillip Sami has scored four tries in his last five games against the Dolphins.
- Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth has scored four tries in his last four games.
- Titans five-eighth Jayden Campbell will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Rabbitohs v Roosters at Allianz Stadium
Match: Rabbitohs v Roosters
Round 27 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Rabbitohs v Roosters: Round 27
Numbers Game
- The Rabbitohs will confirm a home elimination final if they defeat the Roosters.
- The Roosters have won six of their last seven games against the Rabbitohs.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 10 tries in his last nine games at Allianz Stadium.
- The Roosters have only a 50 per cent winning record without Sam Walker (2024-26).
- Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has the chance to bring up his 600th victory at NRL level.
