Peter Hola will pull on the Dolphins jersey for the first time on Thursday night, named on the bench for the Round 20 showdown against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.
The former Canberra Raiders forward joins Kristian Woolf’s side amid a reshuffle in the pack, with key forwards Mark Nicholls (HIA) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (thumb) both ruled out. Hola’s selection gives the Dolphins extra size and punch off the bench as they look to rebound from last week’s defeat to the Sharks.
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Originally from Tonga and known for his physicality and aggression through the middle, Hola spent time with the North Queensland Cowboys before joining Canberra, and now lands in Redcliffe hoping to reignite his NRL career.
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Woolf confirmed the inclusion of several fresh faces this week. “Jesse (Hogan) won't play… Josh Kelly will be another one we don't play,” he said, referencing two other outs. In Hola’s case, the opportunity opens up thanks to the short turnaround and injury setbacks.
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With Aublix Tawha stepping into the starting role and Connelly Lemuelu promoted from the bench, Hola’s debut adds further intrigue to a Dolphins pack reshuffle.
The 24-year-old will wear jersey No. 17 and is expected to play a crucial impact role in what promises to be a heated XXXX Derby.
Kick-off is set for 7:50 pm (AEST) at Suncorp Stadium.