NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Dolphins RD01, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will kick off their 2026 NRL season when they travel north to take on the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane this Sunday, with kick-off set for 4:05pm (AEDT).
It is a round one clash that promises plenty of excitement, with both sides keen to start the 2026 Season on the right foot.
All eyes will be on David Fifita as the blockbusting back rower pulls on the Red and Green for the first time in a competitive match. Named in jersey 11 in the second row, Fifita will make his Rabbitohs debut in what shapes as one of the most anticipated storylines of the opening round.
Captain Cameron Murray will lead the side from the lock position in jersey 13, with a strong spine assembled around him. Jye Gray takes the fullback role in jersey number one, while the halves combination of Cody Walker at five-eighth and Ashton Ward at halfback will be tasked with steering the Rabbitohs around the park. Latrell Mitchell lines up alongside Jack Wighton to form a lethal centre pairing.
Alex Johnston occupies the wing in jersey two, while Campbell Graham has been named on the other flank in jersey five. Up front, Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi will pack down, with Bronson Garlick at hooker. The interchange bench features Peter Mamouzelos, Tallis Duncan, Lachlan Hubner and Sean Keppie, providing Head Coach Wayne Bennett with plenty of options throughout the contest.
The Dolphins will present a formidable challenge on their home turf. Co-captains Isaiya Katoa and Tom Gilbert will lead the side, with Katoa directing play from halfback alongside Kodi Nikorima in the halves. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a dangerous presence at fullback, while the centre pairing of Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo will look to cause problems out wide. New signing Selwyn Cobbo on the wing adds further strike power to their backline.
Their forward pack is bolstered by the experience of Morgan Knowles at lock and Felise Kaufusi on the interchange, while Thomas Flegler packs down alongside Gilbert in the front row. It will be a stern test for the Rabbitohs up front.
With a new season comes renewed optimism, and the Rabbitohs will be determined to make a statement in round one under Wayne Bennett. The chance for Fifita to announce himself in the Cardinal and Myrtle on debut, combined with the experience of Mitchell, Walker and Murray through the spine and forward pack, gives South Sydney every reason to travel to Brisbane with confidence this Sunday.
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Date: Sunday 8 March.
Kick-off: 4:05pm (AEDT).
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Referee: Peter Gough.
