The Dolphins have already announced the signings of Broncos stars Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler for next season, with both expected to line up against their future employers on Friday night.

The Broncos warmed up for the first Brisbane derby between the teams with a late four-try, 10-minute burst to sink the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. The same venue will be sold out for the Dolphins-Broncos match.

Kaufusi’s hopes of featuring in the match could hinge on a potential judiciary hearing, but the Dolphins will wait until Monday morning before confirming a challenge to a grade two dangerous contact charge for his hit on Hastings.

The club had been poring over vision of Suaalii’s tackle on Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in round two, which the match review committee deemed only a grade one dangerous contact charge.

Suaalii was able to play in the Roosters’ win over the Rabbitohs on Friday after paying a $3000 fine.

Like Suaalii, Kaufusi has already been charged a minimum three times in the past 12 months and will need to be successful seeking a downgrade to avoid a ban.

“I can find grounds for Felise to fight that,” Queensland coach Billy Slater told The Footy Show. “I think he pulled out of it late and I think when the ball left Jackson’s hands, he was committed.”

But if Kaufusi were to be unsuccessful at the judiciary he would be suspended for four matches, which would include games against the Broncos, Dragons, Cowboys and Rabbitohs. He can still take three games with an early guilty plea for the grade two charge.

Loading

Meanwhile, Warriors forward Mitch Barnett has been cleared of serious injury and was able to fly home with his teammates after clutching at his neck following an incident in his side’s upset win over the Cowboys on Saturday night.

Barnett was taken to hospital for precautionary scans with neck and shoulder pain after falling awkwardly under a tackle from Gehamat Shibasaki, but was reported to be free in his movement on Sunday.

Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.