Live: Walker confirmed to start for Roosters in NRL prelim final

Dolphins kick us off, running left to right!

Both sides are out there now and we’re not far away.

It’s almost time.

I’m going with the Dolphins in a really tight one. Their defence recently has been so strong and backed up their deadly attack and I reckon they’ll be able to outlast the Roosters.

Having said that, I think the Tricolours start strong. The match might come down to how much hay the Roosters can make before the Dolphins bring on Donoghoe at lock.

Let’s go Dolphins 28-22 but James Tedesco scores first.

It’s incredible that the Dolphins have found themselves here in just their fourth ever season. It feels like only yesterday they took the field for the first time which, famously, came against the Roosters.

Here’s a yarn from that day, which until tonight was the most important match in their history.

There’s so many great clashes on the cards for tonight – Katoa vs Walker, Tabuai-Fidow vs Tedesco, Cobbo vs Nawaqanitawase – but you can’t ask for a better one than Herbie Farnworth vs Rob Toia.

Farnworth is the best centre in the world and Toia isn’t far behind. It can go either way, but at least Toia will have some family on show – both on the field and off it.

It was only a few weeks ago that these teams had it out in a cracker at the SFS.

I was there that night and it was the game that convinced me that the Phins can win this whole damn competition.

Here’s the highlights if you want to get reacquainted – Plath’s tackle on Wong was a particular highlight!

We’re on – Sam Walker will line up at halfback for the Roosters after being passed fit to play despite his syndesmosis injury.

No changes at all for the Roosters from the team named on Tuesday and just one for the Dolphins with Tevita Naufahu dropping out of the 19-man squad and Jake Averillo coming in.

Hey everybody, I hope this Friday finds you in a finals footy kind of mood cause we’re fixing for a big one here tonight.

Dolphins vs Roosters, a berth in the NRL grand final on the line, a sold out Lang Park – this is why we do it. This is what it’s all for.

My name is Nick, I am champing at the bit for these two teams to lay it on the line and I’m gonna steer you through every step of the game including all the news and info that’s fit to blog.

Let’s go!

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