By Nick Wright
Just six rounds into the NRL campaign, and if you believe the stats, the Panthers’ remarkable dynasty is about to come to an end.
The four-time defending champions look a shadow of the outfit who have dominated the competition, their clinical attack inside enemy territory appearing lost and devoid of cohesion.
Nathan Cleary couldn’t save the Panthers this time.Credit: NRL Photos
That much was evident come Thursday night, as the Dolphins stormed to a 30-12 triumph, handing Penrith a fifth straight defeat.
No side has started a season with a 1-5 win-loss record and gone on to taste premiership success.
“That’s the fifth different spine we’ve had in six weeks. If we can improve our defence it’s going to give us a lot more confidence. I have faith in the boys, it’s obviously challenging at the moment … but I feel like we can definitely get going.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary
Early on, it appeared halfback Nathan Cleary would orchestrate a return to the winner’s circle courtesy of his work with the boot, as he set about pinning the Dolphins deep in their own end and relying on his defenders to keep them there.
They had 50 tackles inside the Dolphins’ 20-metre line and had just two tries to show for it – one from a moment of madness from Jack Bostock, who wildly lashed at a kick hoping to send it dead, only to end up in the lap of Moses Leota.
But even with star fullback Dylan Edwards returning from injury, the Panthers defensive line was in disarray on spread movements, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow helping himself to a hat-trick and Jake Averillo a try of his own from movements which started in their own half.
Nothing is clicking, and Cleary has struggled to get this side firing without his former partner in crime, Jarome Luai (Tigers) and engine room leader James Fisher-Harris (Warriors).
Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Kurt Capewell, Spencer Leniu, J’maine Hopgood, Sunia Turuva spearhead the rest of the class to seek new opportunities since 2021.
“We got a bit frantic at the backend of it, but … I think it was more how the game was flowing at the time. I thought Redcliffe scrambled really well, there were a couple of times we looked all but certain to score and they came out of nowhere. It probably makes us look like we’re scrambling a little bit.”
Panthers captain Isaah Yeo
The Hammer explodes at last
Tabuai-Fidow had spent the opening month of the campaign having his commitment and form questioned, as his side slumped to four-straight defeats.
It is then no coincidence the Dolphins’ consecutive wins have coincided with his return to form, and his heroics against the Panthers were among his finest moments in the red jersey.
His two first-half tries featured two elements: throwing the final pass for the linebreak from Herbie Farnworth and Averillo respectively, and support play on the inside.
‘The Hammer’ finishes with a hat-trick.Credit: NRL Photos
He put the exclamation mark on the contest, swooping on a loose ball and streaking through the middle of the field to send the crowd into raptures with the final play.
Through it all, his pair of try-saving tackles as both Tom Jenkins and Paul Alamoti dove for the corner were arguably still his highlights.
While an argument could still be made around his general involvement – finishing with just 13 runs, yet for 149 metres – Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has maintained the onus was on the whole squad to give his marquee man chances to burst.
They found a way against the Panthers, with the line engagement of halfback Isaiya Katoa opening the backline for Tabuai-Fidow to hit open space.
“Those tries are only ones Hammer can score, so it’s great to see him doing that and playing with that sort of confidence. He had the effort and desire. Two weeks ago, everyone questioned him, and it was great to see him turn it around, play with a smile on his face and playing with some real confidence.”
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf
Katoa vanquishes Cleary demons
It may not have been his most accomplished performance of the season, but Katoa did enough to cast aside the disappointment he experienced when these two teams last faced.
For 76 minutes in last year’s encounter, he was the best player on the field. One decision, opting against a field goal in the dying stages, was pinpointed as a flaw in his game management, as he watched Cleary clinch the win in golden point.
“He is continually showing improvement and more confidence in what he can do at this level. I sometimes think the things you don’t get right are the ones you learn the most from, and that was one of those experiences.”
Kristian Woolf
Fortunately, the Dolphins’ halfback is a fast learner. It was just two months later he guided Tonga to a one-point triumph against New Zealand during the Pacific Championships, and now he has taken down his former club.
The evolution of Katoa has best been noted in his running game, with the 21-year-old taking on the line more than any player since the start of 2024 while averaging 104 metres a game this year.
That was on show to help unleash Tabuai-Fidow, while he also laid on the final pass for Averillo to break away and score.
“It’s hard for a playmaker to come in and have a lot of raps on you, but the thing that impresses me about him is his humility. He wants to get better, but he doesn’t have to change too much. When he’s kick chasing well and coming up with some pretty important plays, it’s inspiring for us as a team. Over the last six weeks he’s kept the team together with his direction.”
Dolphins captain Tom Gilbert
Kerr makes his case for long-term spot
Much of Josh Kerr’s Dolphins’ career has been spent in and out of the side, but the prop is making a compelling case to prove he not only warrants a spot in the game day 17, but has a future beyond the end of his 2025 deal.
The former Queensland Maroons squad member has showcased a lethal offloading game in the past, and that trademark was on show again in providing a late pass for Connelly Lemuelu to score.
He has provided impact with ball in hand, averaging roughly 10 metres per carry while missing just one tackle across his four stints this season.
Recruit Francis Molo continues to work his way back to full fitness with the Central Queensland Capras, but Kerr is mounting a case for sustained inclusion.
“He’s made it hard for me to leave him out, he’s done a really good job. [Molo] will ge the opportunity for more minutes this week. He’ll play for us, there’s no doubt there, whether that’s next week or two I don’t know, but I know ... he’s going to bring us plenty.”
Kristian Woolf