Wests Tigers vs Dolphins Predictions and Betting Tips

🏈 NRL Round 25 Match Preview

⏰ 19 August 2023 - 15:00 AEST

🏟 Stadium - CommBank Stadium

Rugby League fans are in for a treat when the Wests Tigers take on the Redcliffe Dolphins in an upcoming NRL clash. This highly anticipated showdown is set to entertain on August 19th at 15:00 AEST.

To help you get excited about gameday, AusBetSites has gathered the most up-to-date betting odds from 3 top Australian betting sites across 11 markets. The current odds have installed the Tigers as solid favourites at 1.73 for this match on their home pitch. But the Dolphins will be eager to make a statement in their inaugural NRL season as an expansion club.

Both the Tigers and Dolphins have a chance at a rare win when they meet at CommBank Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It's been another nightmare for the Tigers, headed for another wooden spoon with just 3 wins this season. However, Wests have been more competitive lately, pushing top-8 sides like the Raiders and Warriors over the past fortnight.

With Luke Brooks and Api Koroisau gelling, the Tigers have improved across the board and will be confident of a fourth victory.

The Dolphins have been terrible for months, winning just 1 of their last 9. Their depth was always going to be tested in their debut season and Redcliffe simply lacks the roster to be competitive right now.

Their task only gets tougher with key injuries including Kenny Bromwich and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. But this shapes as the Dolphins' best remaining chance at a morale-boosting win over the struggling Tigers.

Wests Tigers vs Dolphins Head-to-Head

As this will be the first ever meeting between the Wests Tigers and Redcliffe Dolphins, these two clubs have no recent head-to-head history over the last 8 years. With the Dolphins entering the NRL as an expansion franchise this season, this will be uncharted territory whenever these teams square off. Their upcoming match will provide the first data point in what will become a new head-to-head rivalry.

Wests Tigers Performance

🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥 The Wests Tigers enter this match hungry for a win after a difficult stretch of recent form. Over their last 5 games, the Tigers are 0-5, with all 5 matches ending in defeat. This losing skid has put dents in the Tigers' confidence as they have struggled to put together a complete 80-minute performance. Wests' winless run reveals gaps and weaknesses that need addressing. While a talented squad, the Tigers have lacked the consistency and poise needed to finish off matches. If they are to get their season back on track, the Tigers will need to halt this slide immediately. The home crowd support could provide the spark needed to ignite a turnaround. But questions linger about the Tigers' attack and defence after a turbulent period. The players will be eager to restore faith with a statement victory to get the ball rolling.

Dolphins Performance

🟩🟥🟥🟥🟥 As an NRL expansion club, the Redcliffe Dolphins are still finding their feet but have shown promise early in their inaugural season. Over their last 5 games, the Dolphins have gone 1-4. After 4 straight losses to open the campaign, Redcliffe broke through with their first ever NRL victory. While the 4 defeats exposed the growing pains expected of a new club, that breakthrough win provided a glimpse into the Dolphins' potential. If Redcliffe can build off that momentum, more wins could follow. But consistency will be key as the Dolphins continue adjusting to the higher level of competition. Playing in hostile environments like against the Tigers will test Redcliffe's resolve. But the chance is there to send a message about belonging in their NRL introduction. Exceeding expectations in year one will require learning quickly from the inevitable lumps.

📋 Players to watch:

• David Nofoaluma has scored 15 tries in 17 games at CommBank Stadium
• Nofoaluma has scored a try in his last 5 games at CommBank
• Jamayne Isaako has scored 20 tries in 21 games this NRL season

These stats highlight some prolific try scorers to watch in this crunch wooden spoon battle. Nofoaluma loves scoring on his home deck for the Tigers. Meanwhile, Isaako has been a consistent finisher for the Dolphins in their debut campaign. With both teams desperate for a morale-boosting win, these try-scoring threats could have a big say on the result.

⚡ Match Facts:

• The Dolphins have lost 8 of their past 9 matches
• Away from Queensland, the Dolphins have managed just one victory all year
• In two games in Sydney this season, the Dolphins are 0-2
• 5 of the Dolphins' last 6 games have finished Under 46.5 points

💡 Match Prediction:

The prediction takes into account the Tigers' home-field advantage, suggesting they may edge the Dolphins by scoring 3 tries for an 18-point total. Meanwhile, the Dolphins' offence could still produce 2 tries to reach around 15 points. The narrow 3-point expected margin fits with the Tigers winning 18-15 in a close contest between two unfancied teams. Of course, the actual score could end up being a bit different in either direction. But based on the data given, a reasonable prediction is Tigers 18 - Dolphins 15, with Wests eking out a gritty win on their home pitch.

Despite both teams' recent struggles, the Wests Tigers have been installed as modest favourites at home against the expansion club Redcliffe Dolphins. The Tigers have a 56.8% chance to win compared to 43.2% for the Dolphins. At fair odds, Wests is valued at $1.76 while the Dolphins sit at $2.07. The Tigers' home-field advantage appears to be the difference in this relatively even matchup.

While still seeking their first win, Wests should rise to the occasion to defend their own turf. Meanwhile, Redcliffe has shown promise but inconsistency is expected as a new club. For these reasons, the Tigers are forecasted to edge the Dolphins by 3 points. However, this shapes up as a close contest between two hungry teams desperate for a victory. Either club could emerge in a hard-fought affair.

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