Thursday night NRL returns this week and the fixture heads north to Brisbane as the Dolphins host the Bulldogs. This game promises to be an action-packed contest as they are locked on equal competition points. A win for each would go a long way to improving their chances of climbing up the ladder as the representative season approaches. With everything to play for, this is going to be an exhilarating game and Before You Bet is here with a detailed preview of what is ahead.
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2026 NRL season, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Dolphins vs Bulldogs Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 10 2026
Showing what they’re capable of
Hosting the Storm last week, the Dolphins were trailing 10-4 at HT and lost a man to the sin bin early in the second half. Rather than concede, they were resilient and fought back to contest the match. 4 tries in 20 minutes, while keeping their opponents scoreless, was enough for them to capture victory. With the same completion rate as their opponents (71% - good in horrendous conditions), it was the weight of possession (58%) which aided their cause. Supported further by 9.2m per carry, 614 PCM’s, and 8 line breaks, the Dolphins controlled the tempo of the match well. Their defence was resolute also, allowing just 2 line breaks and missing only 20 tackles. This standard was a strong statement moving forward.
Woes on both sides of the ball continue
It was another poor display for the Bulldogs in both attack and defence as they were defeated 28-12 at home by the Cowboys. After starting strongly, there were signs that the Bulldogs might perform well. That was short-lived as they went into HT behind 12-6. After fighting back to level the scores at 12-all, they conceded 3 tries in the last 15 minutes to lose the contest in disappointing fashion. It was again disappointing considering with an equal share of possession, a superior completion rate (81%), and 9.1m per carry, they only managed 2 tries. Their defence was worse though; missing 33 tackles and allowing 6 line breaks, they failed to halt their opponents scoring when it mattered most.
Stats that matter
- Despite playing them only 3 times, the Bulldogs have never faced the Dolphins away. It’s smart of the hosts to take this game to Suncorp Stadium. The Bulldogs have a 29% record there (10 wins from 34 games) compared to the Dolphins 52% strike rate.
- It’s been two blowout victories and one tight contest between these two sides. The average margin of victory in the 3 matches played is 19 points, with the average total points being 46.6.
- It’s interesting to note that so far in 2026, both sides allow 24ppg defensively. The difference between them is in attack, where the Dolphins score 23ppg compared to the Bulldogs 18ppg.
The favourites for a reason
The Dolphins are listed as favourites for this contest and rightly so given the respective performances last week. The Bulldogs look lost for answers in attack, while defensively, they are lacking confidence which once dominated their execution. This creates an alarming pattern of performance, making them vulnerable in this game. The Dolphins team changes also offer promise; Marshall-King and Nikorima are both named on the bench and could feature. JMK especially offers a new direction for their attack. It is hard to see the Bulldogs pressuring their opponents enough over 80 minutes to cause an upset. The Dolphins simply have too many points in them; they’ve pressured some of the best defences this season and come away successful. This means that they should be capable of covering the line. Be wary investing on this game though. There are better options available and the stake in this fixture should be kept low.
Dolphins -6.5
$1.90 (1.5 units)
Dolphins vs Bulldogs Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 50.5 – see above as it matches the defensive averages of each so far this season.
Leg 2 = Isaako to score – He loves playing the Bulldogs, with 6 tries from his past 5 games against them. Isaako’s recent NRL record is solid also, with 3 tries from the past 2 matches. Look for the Dolphins to get to his edge as much as possible.
Leg 3 = Tabuai-Fidow to score – it has been a few quiet weeks for the Hammer without a try; he has also never scored against the Bulldogs. Such a dangerous player who will be targeted, it would be surprising to see him kept out of the contest. Expect him to be looking for the ball as much as possible.
SGM Odds = $6.96 at Dabble
Dolphins vs Bulldogs Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday 7th May
Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Time: 7:50pm (AEST)
Odds: Dolphins $1.46 vs Bulldogs $2.75
Line: -6.5
Points: 50.5
Where to Watch Doplhins vs Bulldogs
Watch the Dolphins vs Bulldogs match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
Tail our 2026 NRL Tips at Dabble!
Not familiar with Dabble or want to learn more? Check out our full Dabble review here, or by clicking the banner below.
