The second NRL game on Friday night heads to Brisbane as the Dolphins host the Eels. Always promising a high scoring game, the Dolphins will again be looking to display an impressive standard of rugby league. The Eels will not want that to occur and while playing for pride, could also disrupt the Finals plans for the hosts. This sets the stage for an intriguing contest and Before You Bet is here to look at what is ahead in this match.
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Dolphins vs Eels Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 25 2026
Taking care of business
In a tricky road trip to face the Sea Eagles, the Dolphins did what was required in their 22-0 victory. Hardly exhibiting relentless pressure, the Dolphins will be most pleased by the fact that their defence was resolute and wasn’t cracked over 80 minutes. They strangled their opponents by missing just 26 tackles and allowing only 1 line break. This meant that they could build pressure with their attack; with 51% possession and a 74% completion rate, they averaged 9.9m per carry and made 672 PCM’s. This saw them create 6 line breaks, while continuing to play fast and resemble a team headed towards the Finals.
Spirited and determined
The Eels caused a huge upset with their 32-30 home victory over the Cowboys. Expected to struggle against a superior opponent, the Eels failed to play to the predicted script of the match. Rather, they dictated the terms of the contest and played freely in attack. They gave themselves every chance of performing well by completing at 90% with 52% possession, running for 10.5m per carry, making 642 PCM’s, and creating 7 line breaks. If this standard had consistently been produced throughout 2026, they would be preparing for the upcoming Finals series.
Stats that matter
- These two sides have only met three times, with the home team never capturing victory. Here, the Dolphins strike at 59% compared to the Eels 45%.
- The average margin of victory is high (16.7 points) in their history, with two blowout 28-point wins dragging the total up. They been high scoring games too, with an average of 54.7 points.
- The Dolphins are the superior team on both sides of the ball in 2026. They score 27ppg in attack and allow just 21ppg defensively. In contrast, the Eels manage to score just 20ppg in attack while allowing 28ppg.
A proper Top 8 team
Without taking anything away from the Eels victory last week, they will face a harder opponent this weekend. To increase the difficulty, they also must perform on the road with a short turnaround. With the benefit of 7 days to prepare and returning home, the Dolphins should be at their best to cope with what their opponents throw at them. There were positive signs that both sides of the ball were improving for them, and they will especially take confidence away from their most recent defensive effort. They’re improving their ability to ‘strangle’ teams out of a contest and raising to a higher intensity should be a focus for them ahead of this match. They are embedded into the Top 8 for a reason and this is there chance to make a statement.
Despite being resilient in recent weeks, the Eels are about to find out the difference between them and a real Top 8 team. That is not to suggest their performance will be poor; in their last 4 matches the margin of victory has been 6 points or less. Once the home side gathers momentum, they will be too hard for the visitors to stop.
Dolphins 13+
$1.83 (2 units)
Dolphins vs Eels Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 51.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Bostock to score – he loves playing the Eels. In his two games against them he has scored 4 tries in total. With just 1 try to his name in the past 5 games, he will want to build some positive form heading into the Finals.
Leg 3 = Cobbo to score 2+ tries – he cannot stop scoring tries recently. Cobbo has scored 4 times in his past 5 NRL games for a total of 6 tries. He has also scored in each of his past 2 games against the Eels.
Dolphins vs Eels Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday 21st August
Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Time: 8pm (AEST)
Odds: Dolphins $1.25 vs Eels $4
Line: -13.5
Points: 51.5
Where to Watch Dolphins vs Eels
Watch the Dolphins vs Eels match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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