Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Dolphins Sydney Roosters action turned into a statement win for the Dolphins, who surged to a 48-10 victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night behind a sharp display from halfback Isaiya Katoa.

Katoa returned from New South Wales State of Origin camp and helped guide the Dolphins to a sixth straight National Rugby League win, lifting them above the Sydney Roosters into fourth place.

The result came during a big week for young National Rugby League talent, with Makaia Tafua NRL Debut Looms as New Zealand Warriors Reward Pathways Standout also drawing attention across the competition. Fans can follow official updates through the National Rugby League website.

Katoa and Nikorima Take Control

Both teams were hit hard by State of Origin absences, with the Sydney Roosters missing seven players and the Dolphins without five Queensland Maroons squad members.

The Sydney Roosters started with energy and had a try to Solesi Foketi ruled out for a double movement, but the Dolphins settled first through Katoa’s dummy on Daly Cherry-Evans.

Jamayne Isaako converted the opener to equal Canterbury Bulldogs great Steve Gearin’s premiership record by scoring in 94 straight matches.

Trai Fuller’s running out of the backfield then helped set up Herbie Farnworth’s sixth try of the season as the Dolphins led 12-0 at halftime.

Roosters Injuries Add to Tough Night

The Sydney Roosters lost debutant centre Reece Foley and five-eighth Hugo Savala to head knocks in the first half.

Katoa and Kodi Nikorima then combined early in the second half before Oryn Keeley split the defence to send Fuller over for his first try of the year.

Katoa’s kick for Nikorima’s 50th National Rugby League try was one of the night’s best moments.

Jeremy Marshall-King, Connelly Lemuelu and Brad Schneider also crossed as the Dolphins finished with six second-half tries.

The Sydney Roosters still found bright signs, with Rex Bassingthwaighte scoring on debut and Toby Rodwell coming off the bench to add another try.

Tevita Naufahu’s 100-metre chase to stop Cody Ramsey underlined the Dolphins’ defensive hunger on a night when their premiership case grew stronger.