A high-scoring clash looms at Campbelltown as the resurgent Wests Tigers look to keep their finals hopes alive against a red-hot Dolphins side chasing a top-four finish. With both teams capable of piling on points, this shapes as one of the most entertaining matchups of Round 16.

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Matchday Details

Saturday, 20 June 2026 – 3:00pm AEST – Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
📺 Kayo / Foxtel
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski | Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Wests Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Taylan May, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Starford To’a, 6. Jarome Luai (c), 7. Jock Madden, 8. Terrell May, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Tony Sukkar, 12. Sione Fainu, 13. Alex Seyfarth, 14. Josese Lanyon, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Mavrik Geyer, 17. Charlie Murray, 18. Heamasi Makasini, 19. Latu Fainu, 20. Heath Mason, 21. Peter Taateo, 22. Adam Doueihi

Dolphins: 1. Trai Fuller, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Jack Bostock, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Tevita Naufahu, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Isaiya Katoa (c), 8. Felise Kaufusi, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Francis Molo, 11. Connelly Lemuelu, 12. Oryn Keeley, 13. Morgan Knowles, 14. Bradley Schneider, 15. Kurt Donoghoe, 16. Tom Gilbert, 17. Ray Stone, 18. Sebastian Su’a, 19. Brian Pouniu, 20. John Fineanganofo, 21. LJ Nonu, 22. Sam Elliott, 23. Max Plath, 24. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Match Preview

This clash between two finals contenders could be one of the most entertaining of the round.

Sunny and dry conditions at Campbelltown Sports Stadium could spark plenty of ball movement and try-scoring, with the Wests Tigers averaging 23.92 points per game and the Dolphins 29.07 this season.

While the Tigers’ recent pattern has been to win a handful of games before falling into a losing streak that derails their finals hopes, 2026 represents their best chance to break a 14-year finals drought. They snapped a three-game losing streak with tight wins against Canterbury-Bankstown and the Gold Coast, either side of a heavy 68–0 loss to Penrith.

Although the Tigers’ finals fairytale has dimmed since their Round 8 win over Canberra, they’ve shown impressive resilience to revive their campaign. Their -70 points differential remains a concern—especially compared to eighth-placed South Sydney’s +86—but the simplest way to address that is to keep winning.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, are surging toward what would be their first finals appearance, riding a six-game winning streak. Victories across split rounds against Canberra and the Sydney Roosters have highlighted their depth and consistency, putting them firmly in the top-four conversation—and in line for a home final at Suncorp Stadium.

Their dismantling of a weakened Roosters outfit (missing seven Origin players) was another sign of their growth. After leading 12–0 at halftime, a 15-minute four-try blitz after the break blew the game open. One standout moment was Tevita Naufahu’s incredible chase to force Cody Ramsey into touch before grounding the ball—an effort that typified the Dolphins’ intensity, even while leading 42–4. That kind of commitment would have pleased coach Kristian Woolf as much as their eventual eight-try haul.

The head-to-head record is evenly split at two wins apiece, while the Tigers are 1–1 at Campbelltown this season. The Dolphins have only played once in Sydney this year, a convincing 38–10 win over Cronulla in Round 3.

There’s some positive selection news for the Tigers, with Adam Doueihi named in the extended squad as he returns from a shoulder injury. Api Koroisau has been named to back up from Origin II, while Tony Sukkar replaces Kai Pearce-Paul in the starting side. Woolf has stuck with the same squad that defeated the Roosters, with several Origin players—including Max Plath and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki—named in the reserves, while Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Selwyn Cobbo are set to be rested.

The five-eighth battle looms as a key matchup: Jarome Luai versus Kodi Nikorima.

Luai’s signing with Papua New Guinea could have been a distraction, but he remains committed to the Tigers through 2026 and 2027. The question now is whether he can help break the club’s finals drought before departing. After coming under criticism following the loss to Penrith, Luai responded in style against the Titans with a hat-trick that underlined his importance. His first try halted momentum after the Titans scored four straight; his second gave the Tigers the lead; and his third sealed the win, showcasing his trademark footwork and awareness.

On the other side, Nikorima forms part of one of the most exciting halves pairings in the NRL alongside Isaiya Katoa. Their combination has been a driving force behind the Dolphins’ top-four push. Nikorima’s seven try assists in 10 games highlight his influence, while his consistent kicking game—surpassing 1,000 metres in each of the past three seasons—remains a key asset. He’s also on track to reach that mark again in 2026. With speculation around a potential move if George Williams arrives next season, this year could be pivotal for him.

In what shapes as a high-scoring contest, the duel between Luai and Nikorima could ultimately decide which side has the edge in a likely try-fest.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Dolphins by 10
Full Round 16 tips → /nrl-round-16-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Expect a points bonanza at Campbelltown—between 60–80 total points and at least 10 tries.

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Andrew Pelechaty
Web Content Editor for Rugby League Zone.

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