Dolphins vs Rabbitohs: Match Preview & Prediction

Dolphins

vs

Rabbitohs

Sun 8 Mar 2026, 18:05

Sunday afternoon footy in Redcliffe should be a good watch. Both the Dolphins and South Sydney kick off their seasons with plenty of question marks hanging over them, and honestly?

Neither fan base really knows what to expect just yet.

The Dolphins had their moments last year—flashes here and there—but could never really string it together consistently.

Souths, on the other hand, spent most of 2025 dealing with injuries and defensive lapses that just killed any momentum they tried to build. So yeah, Round 1 feels like a bit of a statement game for both.

Dolphins

If the Dolphins are going to cause problems, it’ll come through speed. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is still their biggest threat—especially around the ruck when defenders start dragging.

Give him half a gap and he’s gone. And out wide, Jamayne Isaako’s still as reliable as they come, both finishing tries and nailing goals from the sideline.

Up front, they’re solid without being scary. They’ll work hard all day, but against packs with more experience and punch, they can get squeezed out.

When they’re playing fast and offloading, they look dangerous. When the middles slow down and it becomes a grind? That’s usually where they struggle.

At home in Redcliffe, though, they tend to come out firing. If they can get the crowd into it early, that energy might carry them through the rough patches.

South Sydney

The Rabbitohs have got something to prove this year. Last season was rough—key guys missing, no rhythm, too many games where they just couldn’t hold it together defensively.

But the good news? Their core attacking players are still there, and they’re fit.

Latrell Mitchell’s the obvious game-breaker. One moment of instinct from him can flip a match on its head.

Cody Walker’s still pulling strings in the halves, and Cameron Murray just keeps doing what he does best—working his backside off through the middle, tackling everything, leading by example.

When Souths get time and space, their attack has real shape to it. Trouble is, they need possession and field position to make that happen.

If they’re scrambling for metres all game, they’ll struggle to look as dangerous.

Dolphins vs Rabbitohs: Best Odds

Prediction for Dolphins vs Rabbitohs

This could open up if both teams decide to throw it around. But if it turns into a territory battle—the kind where every metre’s a fight—you’d probably back the visitors to handle it better.

The Dolphins have the pace to hurt Souths early, especially around the ruck. But over the full 80, South Sydney’s got more experience in the spine and a bit more control when the game gets tight.

Should be close. Probably one of those games that comes down to who blinks first in the last 20.

South Sydney Rabbitohs to win, 24–18.