Dolphins secure first Woolf win against woeful Titans
The Dolphins have broken a four-game losing streak to give new coach Kristian Woolf a maiden win of the season in a 36-10 dismantling of a woeful Gold Coast.
The Titans were favourites at home after two victories on the trot, but as so often the case they wilted at Robina where they were expected to win.
Dolphins halves Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa turned in masterclass displays while fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow had his best game of the season.
It's Hammer time! 🔨#NRLTitansDolphins pic.twitter.com/4FQOMXFqVq
— NRL (@NRL) April 5, 2025
Man-of-the-match Katoa's running game was phenomenal and he complemented that with astute passing and kicking.
The NRL crackdown on high shots led to both teams losing key forwards in the first half.
Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was sin-binned in the second minute and put on report for a high shot on Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi.
Dolphins hardman Ray Stone was also marched for a swinging arm that clocked centre Beau Fermor on the jaw in the 31st minute.
It was the Dolphins who played with enterprise on the back of a powerhouse display by new recruit prop Daniel Saifiti.
Winger Jamayne Isaako got the scoreboard ticking with a line break and slick pass to put fullback Tabuai-Fidow over for his first try of the year in the 10th minute.
The Titans' attention to detail was abominable in the first half with Brian Kelly offside from a dropout, winger Tony Francis making a play-the-ball error and second-rower David Fifita giving away a silly penalty at marker.
The visitors punished the errors. Marshall-King sent Saifiti crashing over for his first try to give the Dolphins a 16-0 lead at half-time.
The Dolphins kept their foot on the throat after the break. Nikorima set tireless lock Max Plath up for a try with a pinpoint bomb and then handled twice for back-rower Connelly Lemuelu to score.
The Titans only started to play with any flair when they trailed 28-0 and scored late consolation tries through Phil Sami and AJ Brimson.
Des Hasler will be infuriated by his side's lack of discipline when the game was on the line, while Woolf seems to have found a successful formula for the Dolphins.
The pack was dominant and they injected Tabuai-Fidow with impact.
Winger Isaako had a fantastic night with 20 points from a try and eight from eight with the boot.
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