NRL Match Preview: Round 3 v Dolphins

Author: Troy Whittaker Sharks Media
Timestamp: Fri 20 Mar 2026, 10:58 AM

Cronulla will aim to dispel the long-held aquatic theory that Sharks are afraid of Dolphins when they host the NRL's blockbuster Battle of the Fins at Ocean Protect Stadium on Saturday night.

The sea-based symmetry, from team mascots to the stadium name, adds to a compelling on-field storyline between two formidable clubs.

The head-to-head ledger sits 2-1 in favour of the Dolphins, however the Sharks reigned supreme when the teams met in the Sutherland Shire last July.

That 24-12 victory proved a turning point in Cronulla's 2025 season, launching a run in which they won nine of 10 matches en route to the preliminary final.

Both sides have started the 2026 season with a win and a loss. After a relentless 50-10 victory over the Gold Coast Titans at home in Round 1, the Sharks fell short against a machine-like Panthers outfit in Bathurst last weekend.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, were bested 40-30 by the Rabbitohs to open their campaign before coming from behind to pip the Titans on Sunday.

Cronulla five-eighth Braydon Trindall, who produced arguably his finest-ever performance a fortnight ago, is set to play his 100th NRL game.

It's also NRL Multicultural Round, further elevating the sense of occasion.

"It's great to get 100 games and I'm looking to play plenty more," Trindall said.

"It's very exciting times and I can't wait to see the family after."

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon lauded his No.6, whose NRL journey began when he made his club debut against the Broncos in Round 12, 2020.

"It's visible for anyone to see when 'Tricky' is up and about and smiling. He's got a real spirit, he's a real spark to the team," Fitzgibbon said.

"He's a joy to watch. He can do simple things that are actually quite hard to do, but he makes them look easy. He's a terrific kicker of the footy as well, so to have an asset like that in our team, we're very fortunate."

The Sharks would like Trindall at his creative best as they look to subdue a Dolphins side renowned for their point-scoring prowess in the backline.

Memories of their 2024 clash at Ocean Protect Stadium, when livewire Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored a memorable full-field try to help seal a thrilling 30-28 upset, will ensure Cronulla remain wary.

"It's tough – they've got strike everywhere," Sharks co-captain Blayke Brailey said.

"They can score from their own try-line and if you switch off for half a second they can make you pay. They've got speed everywhere.

"They're a really dangerous side and they're coming off a good win over the Titans on the weekend. But coming back to us, it's more about how we can be better and how we can improve as a side. I know Fitzy's focus will be all about us."

Fitzgibbon added: "They've got some quality players and quality attack, but they also defend alright. They're a hard-working side and we know we'll have to get into the hardest and simplest parts of the game if we want to be successful."

While Cronulla have retained the same starting side, workhorse second-rower Teig Wilton is listed on the extended bench. The experienced forward missed the opening two rounds while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.

The Kristian Woolf-coached Dolphins are also largely unchanged, with Sebastian Su'a replacing Brian Pouniu in the only difference to the interchange.

Kick-off is at 5.30pm AEDT. CLICK HERE to secure a ticket!

See the squads below.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 21 Mar

6:30 am

Sharks

Dolphins

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro

Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Samuel Stonestreet

Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Tom Gilbert
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max Plath
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Thomas Hazelton

Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Thomas Flegler
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Connelly Lemuelu
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Billy Burns

2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Jesse Colquhoun

Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Morgan Knowles

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa Talakai

Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Bradley Schneider
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Toby Rudolf

Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Oryn Keeley
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi

Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Felise Kaufusi
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Uele

Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Ray Stone
Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa Puru

Interchange for Dolphins is number 18 Trai Fuller
Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Chris Vea'ila

Interchange for Dolphins is number 19 Sebastian Su'a

Reserves

Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Jayden Berrell

Reserve for Dolphins is number 20 Lewis Symonds
Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Mawene Hiroti

Reserve for Dolphins is number 21 Tevita Naufahu
Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Teig Wilton

Reserve for Dolphins is number 22 Brian Pouniu