Tips: Gun standing between Dolphins and a fall
Andrew Johns keeps waiting for the Dolphins to trip up before September then he's reminded they've got a generational talent wearing the No.7 jersey.
Speaking to Wide World of Sports' Freddy and the Eighth, Johns went back to last week's clash between the high flyers and the Sharks, repeating that he thought Craig Fitzgibbon's team were "morals" to win at home.
Instead they were pipped 30-28 in one of the games of the season, with Isaiya Katoa among the best afield in a performance that was overshadowed by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's astonishing 90-metre try.
'The Hammer' won't be present for Friday night's first match of round 16, with the Dolphins to host the top-of-the-table Storm and Johns has once again tipped against Wayne Bennett's side, despite his admiration for Katoa.
Dolphins players celebrate with Jake Averillo after he scored a try against the Sharks in round 15.
He conceded that he hadn't yet become fully convinced of the Dolphins' top four credentials, while Fittler is adamant that they'll be a factor in the finals.
Asked if he was "waiting for the Dolphins to fall over" this season, Johns replied: "Yeah. I thought Cronulla were absolute morals last Thursday night. I keep mentioning his name, Isaiya Katoa. What a player."
On the other side of the equation in Friday night's blockbuster is Jahrome Hughes, with the Storm reaping the benefits of having a top class halfback who isn't eligible to play Origin.
Melbourne, who are two points clear of the Panthers and the Sharks at the top of the table lose Harry Grant and Xavier Coates to the Queensland team, but crucially keep the glue that's holding the side together in Hughes, who was the standout last week when the Storm overran the Warriors in New Zealand.
"Jahrome Hughes was outstanding last week. Just set up the game," Fittler said.
The Storm also welcome back Ryan Papenhuyzen after a long stretch on the sidelines with a fractured fibula.
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The Dolphins also lose key players, in Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi, to Origin, while Tevita Pangai Junior will make his club debut off the bench.
Returning to the Dolphins starting side, meanwhile, is livewire fullback Trai Fuller, who Johns pointed out is "Too good a player to be playing reserve grade."
"I love how there's small players playing now," added Fittler.
It looms as a fascinating contest but both Johns and Fittler are leaning towards the Storm to continue their march towards a possible minor premiership.
Scroll below for the current leaderboard and Round 16 tips by all Nine's expert tipsters!
Nine's NRL tipping leaderboard.
Andrew Johns: Storm, Titans, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Raiders
Brad Fittler: Storm, Warriors, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Raiders
Allana Ferguson: Storm, Warriors, Roosters, Souths, Raiders
Paul Gallen: Storm, Warriors, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Raiders
Darren Lockyer: Storm, Warriors, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Raiders
Ruan Sims: Storm, Warriors, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Tigers
Peter Psaltis: Storm, Warriors, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Raiders
Michael Chammas: Dolphins, Warriors, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Tigers
Mat Thompson: Storm, Warriors, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Raiders
The Mole: Dolphins, Warriors, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Raiders
Ben Glover: Dolphins, Warriors, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Raiders