The Dolphins have confirmed star duo Kodi Nikorima and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will not play in the club's final game of the regular season against the Gold Coast Titans.
Inbound Wests Tigers utility Jake Averillo and 18-year-old Brian Pouniu come into the squad for the quick road trip down to the Gold Coast.
Fresh reports from AAP reveal the duo are being rested as a precautionary, with lingering injury niggles creeping in at this time of year after six months of high-octane NRL action.
Nikorima is understood to have hamstring tightness, while Finefeuiaki has a knee complaint.
They are both expected to be ready to play in Finals Week 1, joined by Maroons representative Selwyn Cobbo, who will also be out for Round 27 with a slight ankle problem.
Tevita Naufahu has been named on the wing after impressing in the games he has been elevated to NRL level, but reports suggest Averillo is likely to start the match, which may cause a reshuffle.
In his seven appearances in the top grade this year, Naufahu has scored three tries and averaged over 180 metres per game.
It is understood Nikorima's left-side partner Connelly Lemuelu will return via the interchange bench after suffering a hamstring injury in mid-August.
The Dolphins will enter their maiden finals appearance in 2026 and are glowing with confidence after thwarting the Sydney Roosters last weekend in a 26-12 triumph.
The club will finish in the top four and secure a home final as they push for a premiership in only their fourth year since its inception.
They have recorded an impressive 16 wins and seven losses during this year, but have also suffered two 50+ point concessions, including a 66-0 demolition on home turf in Round 19.
The Titans will host them on Friday night, which is expected to bring plenty of points from both attacking sides.
