Two sides that missed the finals in 2023 will look to make the ideal start to the new season when they meet at Suncorp Stadium.
A year ago the Dolphins launched their inaugural NRL campaign with a stunning upset of the Roosters at this very ground and Wayne Bennett is sure to have his men primed for a similar performance.
The Dolphins went on to post four wins and four losses at Suncorp and need to make it more of a fortress in 2024 if they are to force their way into the finals.
The Cowboys have featured in some of the finest games of the past decade at Suncorp and will feel right at home in the Cauldron as they set about rediscovering the form that carried them to a preliminary final in 2022 before last year's disappointing 11th placed finish.
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Team News
Dolphins: No late changes, with veteran forward Jarrod Wallace retained as 18th man. Ray Stone gets first shot at making the No.13 jersey his following the loss of Tom Gilbert (knee) for the season. Halfback Sean O'Sullivan is good to go after failing a HIA during the Pre-Season Challenge. Euan Aitken and new recruit Jake Averillo are the major omissions from the squad to open the season.
Cowboys: The team will take the field as named on Tuesday, with Jason Taumalolo starting at prop and Sam McIntyre on the bench. Veteran Kyle Feldt gets the nod on the right wing alongside Zac Laybutt, who takes over from the departed Peta Hiku. Off-season pickup Tom Mikaele is the 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Dolphins won three of their six derby games against Queensland opposition last season.
- The Cowboys have won four of their past five games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako scored seven tries in eight games at Suncorp Stadium in 2023.
- Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored nine tries in his past 12 NRL games.
- Dolphins forward Mark Nicholls will play his 150th game in the NRL.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .