Considering the Wests Tigers have had such a poor run in recent years, they currently hold a winning record in magic Round, having won three from five.
Benji Marshall’s troops have started to gather some momentum this season, giving the Wests diehards a long overdue optimism. Last week’s Golden Point win at home to the Sharks could be a season changer. The previous week’s loss at home to the Eels was a missed opportunity after beating the struggling Knights on the road. Adam Doueihi’s 88th-minute golden point penalty goal came after the Sharks had two dropped goal attempts themselves.
Terrell May’s 228 metres run and 42 tackles contribution along with Alex Sayfarth’s 46 tackles were the standouts.
The Dragons were dominated by the Roosters last week after winning their previous two, away to the Sea Eagles and at home to the Titans, but a return to the form against the Sea Eagles would probably get them in the winner’s circle.
Jack De Belin with a game high of 37 tackles and Tyrell Sloane’s two line breaks, brief highlights of a mediocre performance.
It’s not surprising the bookies consider this an arm wrestle.
Stafford To’a has a minor neck injury, so won’t run out for Wests, Charlie Staines will make his 2025 debut on the wing, and Brent Naden moves to centre from the wing.
For St George Corey Allan will make his club debut, Hamish Stewart and Lyhkan King-Togia come back into the starting 13.
Should be a cracker!
As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size 3 footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub The Westpac Catch & Keep Red Bull and Levels present Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course The Telstra Trophy Zone The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations half way down this page.
Latrell Mitchell is suspended after being cited for a grade 2 on Sualauvi Faalogo in their loss to the Storm , 24-16 last week. The Rabbitohs injury list now includes Cam Murray, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and Jamie Humphreys. The Rabbits are on 3 paws, but the legend that is Wayne Bennett will continue to coax more out of his men.
The Rabbitohs have won three of their past four games without Mitchell so the form line suggests Bennett’s men are the likely winners.
Lewis Dodd will come in at five eighth, Jye Gray will go to fullback, Euan Aitken to centre and Tallis Duncan comes into the back row from the interchange. Fletcher Myers and Lachlan Hubner come into the interchange, Josh Schuster may get a late call up for his Rabbitohs debut.
The Knights have had a very poor start to the season, averaging just over 10 points a game. Jacob Saifiti (prop) and Adam Elliot (interchange) return for the Knights, both having suffered calf injuries. Tyson Frizell will move to lock. Kalyn Ponga will play at this stage and Tyson Gamble will join the Interchange. Former Brisbane student, Dane Gagai will make his NRL 200th appearance after signing for the Knights from Brisbane Boys College.
Last week’s loss at the Warriors, 26-12, once again lacked attacking intent, 16-0 down at half-time. They actually won the second half. Jayden Brailey’s 52 tackles and Greg Marzhew running for 197m were standouts.
As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size 3 footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub The Westpac Catch & Keep Red Bull and Levels present Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course The Telstra Trophy Zone The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations half way down this page.
The Warriors in 4th, cross the ditch to play The Cowboys in 6th. The Cowboys having won their last four, including a thumping of the Titans last week, 50-18.
Robert Derby’s hat-trick (also had four line breaks), Jeremiah Nanai’s pair, and Reece Robson’s game-high 51 tackles being the highlights. Despite the Cowboys only having a completion rate of 76% to the Titans’ 86%, superiority in post contact metres and line breaks (13-4), kick returns (244 m vs 94 m) and tackle breaks (48-18) delivered a very dominant victory.
The Cowboys will be unchanged to take on the Warriors, who will be without Ali Leiataua, after he injured his ankle in a training session on Thursday. Adam Pompey comes into the centres and Edward Kosi goes onto the left wing. Te-Maire Martin joins the Interchange.
Their run to fourth place on the ladder appears to be less impressive than the current form of the Cowboys. Last week’s win against the struggling Knights included the Warriors losing the second half. Their narrow win against the Broncos in New Zealand, after losing heavily on the road to the Storm, and winning two arm wrestles against the Roosters and away to Wests Tigers, whilst many are saying this is one of the matches of the round, the Cowboys look to be favourites.
As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size 3 footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub The Westpac Catch & Keep Red Bull and Levels present Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course The Telstra Trophy Zone The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations half way down this page.
In Milton, a garden built by veterans stands as a lasting reminder of the 41 Australians who died in the Afghanistan war, and the many more who came home carrying wounds that cannot be seen. Known as “42 for 42,” this grassroots memorial is more than a tribute, it is a space shaped by the very people it honours.
Located next to Suncorp Stadium in Milton, the 42 for 42 Afghanistan Memorial Garden is a peaceful tribute to Australia’s modern military history. Created privately by veterans and families, it honours the 41 soldiers killed in action and those lost to psychological wounds like PTSD and depression.
Photo Credit: Rob Sanders/Google Maps
A mural by artist Lee Harnden anchors the space, featuring The Ode, the Australian flag, and a Special Forces soldier. Together with the garden, it creates a place for reflection. The not-for-profit 42 for 42, run by former soldiers, supports veterans and their families after service.
Photo Credit: Brent Saltmarsh/Google Maps
Built by Veterans, Backed by Brisbane
The garden’s creation was deeply personal. Veterans marched 42 hours with 40-kg packs to highlight the burdens carried beyond combat. Funded partly by a Saluting Their Service Grant, much of the work relied on volunteers and community support.
Photo Credit: Brent Saltmarsh/Google Maps
Photo Credit: Rob Sanders/Google Maps
Since its dedication in 2021, the memorial has become a place where Anzac Day services have taken on new meaning. Local schools now include the Afghanistan conflict in their tributes, laying wreaths alongside those for Gallipoli and Kokoda. Families visit not only to grieve, but to connect with others who understand their loss.
The First to Fall — And a Family’s Legacy
Sergeant Andrew Russell was the first Australian soldier killed during the Afghanistan campaign. A career member of the Special Air Service Regiment, he died when the vehicle he was travelling in hit an explosive device. His death marked the beginning of a long chapter in Australia’s military involvement overseas.
His family later founded Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL), a charity providing transitional housing and support for at-risk veterans. Born from loss, like the Brisbane garden, ARVL continues to offer practical help for the difficult shift from combat to civilian life.
A Modern Meaning for Anzac Day
The 42 for 42 Memorial Garden is a sign that remembrance in Australia is changing. While Gallipoli remains central to the national identity, the names remembered at Milton are a reminder that service and sacrifice are not confined to the past.
This memorial, created by those who served and those who suffered, gives families a place to remember, veterans a space to reflect, and communities a reason to keep the conversation going.
As more people visit the garden each Anzac Day, it becomes clearer that remembrance in Australia is not about choosing between past and present, it’s about honouring both.
Brisbane, mark your calendars. Metallica is bringing its colossal M72 World Tour to Suncorp Stadium this November, as part of their long-awaited return to Australian and New Zealand shores. Known for blistering sets, unmatched energy, and jaw-dropping production, this will be a night to remember for rock and metal fans alike.
The M72 World Tour is no ordinary run of shows. Since launching in Amsterdam in April 2023, the tour has already attracted over three million fans across Europe and North America, drawing rave reviews from every corner of the globe.
Critics have called it everything from “a stone-cold stunner of a show” (Detroit News) to “as tight and furious as Metallica has sounded in ages” (Los Angeles Times). The band’s innovative stage setup features a 360-degree experience, with the stage at one end and a sprawling Snake Pit stretching deep into the audience — putting fans at the heart of the thunder.
And this time, the Aussie leg is getting the full Metallica treatment: six stadium shows, exclusive Enhanced Experiences (including meet and greets, backstage tours, and VIP lounges), and the coveted “I Disappear Ticket,” granting superfans access to all Australian and New Zealand dates. Support comes from two powerhouse acts — Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.
Set List Sneak Peek
While Metallica keeps fans guessing with variations night to night, expect a career-spanning set packed with the following crowd favourites:
Seek & Destroy
Master of Puppets
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
For Whom the Bell Tolls
The Unforgiven
Sad But True
Fade to Black
One
Moth Into Flame
Lux Æterna (from their latest album “72 Seasons”)
Expect around 16–18 songs per night, often changing across shows to give fans a fresh experience every time.
Metallica: A Legacy Forged in Metal
Photo credit: CC0/Library of Congress Life/Wikimedia Commons
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica is widely considered one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. With frontman James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo, the band has sold over 125 million albums worldwide.
Their seminal 1991 self-titled release (commonly known as The Black Album) brought hits like “Enter Sandman” and “The Unforgiven” to mainstream radio and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. They’ve taken home nine Grammy Awards, multiple MTV and American Music Awards, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
When Were They Last Here?
Metallica last toured Australia in 2019 as part of their WorldWired Tour, though the Oceania leg was cut short due to James Hetfield’s re-entering rehab. Prior to that, they performed across the country in 2013 and 2010, consistently selling out arenas and stadiums with ease. Brisbane’s metal faithful have waited over six years for their return — and the M72 Tour promises to reward that patience in epic fashion.
Notable Anecdotes and Moments
Photo credit: metallica.com/ Brett Murray
James Hetfield has previously described Australia as one of his favourite places to tour, citing the “diehard energy” of Aussie crowds. During their 2010 Brisbane show, they famously let a fan play drums during “Seek & Destroy” — a moment still talked about among the local fanbase.
Metallica’s All Within My Hands charity initiative, which continues through this tour, has raised over $15 million USD since 2017, supporting everything from technical education to disaster relief and food insecurity efforts. A portion of every ticket sold in Brisbane will benefit local charities.
Tickets go on general sale Monday, 4 November at 12 PM AEST, with multiple pre-sales kicking off earlier. Suncorp Stadium members and local residents will have a head start from 2 PM Friday, 1 November.
For all ticket packages, pre-sale links, and enhanced experience details, visit livenation.com.au.
Whether you’re a diehard member of the Metallica Family or just want to experience one of the greatest live shows in rock history, 12 November 2025 at Suncorp Stadium is the date you don’t want to miss. With Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies opening the night, and Metallica delivering two hours of pure heavy metal mastery, Brisbane is set to shake like never before.
Expect Caxton Street at it’s liveliest and plenty of branded activations around the stadium entrances.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s Sharks against former Blues and Kangaroos teammate Jason Ryles’s Eels.
The Sharks had their hearts broken at Leichardt last week. In golden point drama, two dropped goal misses by the Sharks (one was charged down), left it to the 88th minute when Adam Doueihi kicked the winning field goal.
Mawene Hiroti injured his knee for the Sharks aginst the West Sydney Tigers last week and so will be replaced by KL Iro, who is back from a Hamstring injury.
The Eels, coming off a bye, will be without Kelma Tuilagi who is suspended and will be replaced by Charlie Guymer.
William Kennedy is on fire, currently leading the Dally M table.
Mitch Moses vs Nicho Hynes will be a major factor in the game. Josh Addo-Carr averages 1.5 tries per game in the Magic Round (six from four appearances) but the Eels only have until mid-June to secure his place in Cronulla. Sharks Fullback William Kennedy has three tries in Magic Round from three games.
Blayke Bailey’s 367 tackles for the season so far is only just behind the Rabbitohs’ Peter Mamouzelos on 369. Sam Stonestreet currently topping the Sharks try table with six for the season.
Should be a great game to kick off the weekend. It starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night.
The Steeden Ball Exchange will be running across the weekend amongst many other activations. They will trade in your old sports ball for a new size three Steeden football. You can bring an old AFL or NRL footy, basketball, soccer ball, netball or rugby ball and you can walk away with a brand new Steeden size three football.
The atmosphere at Suncorp will be electric but if you can’t make it, Foxtel and Kayo will broadcast the game live.
Kristian Woolf will be looking for the Dolphins to bounce back from their loss last week against the Raiders, which interrupted their three match-winning streak.
The Dolphins looked like title contenders in the first half in Canberra against a strong Raiders outfit, 28-12 up at half time and seemingly cruising, the Raiders responded with five tries without conceding a point in the second half to finish 40-28 in front.
Felise Kaufusi returns to the team, replacing the injured Daniel Saifiti in the front row. Jeremy Marshall-King also returns at Hooker though the Dolphins will miss Max Plath who failed a late fitness test.
The Roosters run out with the same side that won on Anzac Day.
Both sides have a three wins and five losses record but if the Dolphins can get close to their first half last week, surely, they would fancy this one.
The Roosters demolition of the Dragons, 46-18 at Allianz Stadium, was led by James Tedesco, who ran 230 metres and went over for two tries, Sandon Smith also scoring two tries. The Roosters had 10 line breaks (three from Tedesco) but the most impressive part of their game was the kick return, 305 m to only 107 m by the Dragons.
Looks like a real arm wrestle, the atmosphere on Caxton Street will be electric.
As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size three footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub The Westpac Catch & Keep Red Bull and Levels present Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course The Telstra Trophy Zone The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations half way down this page.
If you can’t get to Suncorp, the Roosters vs Dolphins game will be broadcast live on Channel 9, Kayo and Foxtel. Kick off is on Friday, 2 May, at 8:00 p.m.
On June 28, Suncorp Stadium in Milton will make Australian sporting history as it transforms into the stage for not one, but two standalone NRL matches in a single day – a logistical and cultural first in the nation’s sporting landscape.
In what promises to be a day to remember for rugby league fans, the Brisbane Broncos will take on the New Zealand Warriors at 3:00 pm, followed by a full stadium reset before the Dolphins meet the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 7.50 p.m.
While back-to-back footy action at the same ground isn’t uncommon during events like Magic Round, the difference here is significant: two separate ticketed events, two individual crowds, and a complete venue turnaround in between.
The occasion marks an ambitious and unprecedented effort from the NRL, Suncorp Stadium, the participating clubs, and broadcasters. It also provides a creative solution to a season disruption: the Dolphins’ original round one home game against the Rabbitohs had to be relocated to Sydney due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Now, fans in Queensland will get their chance to see the fixture on home turf – albeit in a highly unconventional format.
Following the Broncos-Warriors clash, the stadium will be entirely cleared, allowing for a meticulous rebrand of the venue. From sponsor banners to locker room signage and team-specific dressing, every detail will be updated to reflect the identity of the incoming match. Dolphins members with game access will return to their familiar seats once the stadium reopens.
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Google Maps
The dual-game format will also turn the wider Caxton Street precinct into an all-day festival of rugby league. Whether fans opt for just one match or go all in with tickets to both, the area surrounding the stadium is expected to buzz with activity, food, entertainment, and a uniquely Brisbane atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, the operational challenge is immense. Stadium staff, suppliers, and event partners will be working against the clock to reset the venue. Yet, there is a strong sense of excitement and confidence that Suncorp – no stranger to major sporting spectacles – is up to the task. From previous Magic Rounds to navigating natural disasters and hosting global boxing events, the venue has built a reputation for rising to the occasion.
For members and ticket holders, flexibility has been a key part of the plan. Season members will retain their usual seating entitlements, while partial season holders and those with game-specific tickets have been offered options to secure access through their MyDolphins accounts. General public tickets are also set to go on sale soon, offering fans a chance to witness a milestone in the evolution of live sport in Australia.
June 28 won’t just be another day of rugby league – it will be a bold experiment in event planning, fan engagement, and sporting entertainment. And if all goes to plan, it could pave the way for future multi-game spectacles across the country.
A development dispute (DA A006226036) in Milton has escalated with the Anglican Church and XXXX Brewery continuing their legal contest in the Planning and Environment Court. The case follows BCC’s decision to approve the installation of three 40,000-litre ethanol storage tanks at the brewery, operated by Lion.
The approval, granted in early 2023, was intended to support the production of non-beer alcoholic beverages, including seltzers. The brewery produced around 190 million litres of alcoholic beverages in 2023.
The Anglican Church, which owns 38,000 square metres of land west of the brewery, raised concerns about public safety, air quality, and the risk of explosion. The tanks would store up to 120,000 litres of ethanol, a flammable liquid, at a site approximately eight metres from residential accommodation and 19 metres from a college library.
Recent council-commissioned analysis from risk expert Dr Raghu Raman found that, in the event of a vapour cloud explosion, the pressure wave would reach up to 1.1 metres but remain within the Milton Road property boundary. However, this differed from the methodology used by the brewery’s expert, Dr Frank Mendham, prompting further legal responses.
Photo Credit: DA A006226036
Requests for Additional Expert Review
The church’s legal team argued that Raman’s 50-page report introduced new modelling evidence that had not previously been reviewed by any party. The court later vacated the planned hearing to allow the church to nominate its own expert.
Judge Nicole Kefford ordered the experts representing the brewery, the church, and the BCC to meet and deliver a joint report. The three-day hearing was postponed pending this review.
Health and Emissions Concerns
The Anglican Church referenced the National Pollutant Inventory, stating ethanol exposure could lead to symptoms such as nausea, stupor, and respiratory irritation. The church also raised concerns about emissions from the venting system, which would release ethanol fumes at 14 metres above ground level.
The site houses St Francis Theological College, which has operated since 1936. The church’s submission noted the presence of heritage-listed facilities, residential buildings, and educational infrastructure in close proximity to the proposed ethanol store.
Photo Credit: DA A006226036
Suggested Alternatives and Safety Proposals
The church argued the brewery’s 58,270-square-metre site had other suitable areas for the ethanol tanks, further away from sensitive facilities. They contended the chosen location unnecessarily increased risk to residents and students.
In its application process, Lion advised BCC that the ethanol would be chilled below the threshold classified as a dangerous good and piped to the brewery.
The experts’ joint report is expected to be presented to the court by late April. The court will resume proceedings the following week to determine the validity of the development approval based on the combined evidence.
A massively symbolic game and a significant opportunity for the Reds to get their season back on track, currently sitting 4th in the Super Rugby Pacifica Ladder.
Losing at home to the Brumbies two weeks ago was a blow that followed up a loss at the Chiefs and Les Kiss will be wanting the Reds to bounce back against a Blues squad not firing on all cylinders but almost getting the upperhand at the Crusaders last week, going down to an 82nd minute penalty by James O’Connor.
For the Reds, Jock Campbell will make his first start of the season at full back, after coming off the bench twice since he fractured his arm. Masssimo De Lutiis comes onto the bench as does Heremaia Murray.
The Reds injury list is starting to look troublesome: Filipo Daugunu, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Josh Nasser, Harry Wilson and Liam Wright.
The Blues will have Beauden Barrett on the bench, Dalton Papali’i and Caleb Clarke are out.
History is against the Reds in this clash. The Blues have won the last fourt games between the two teams including the last three at Suncorp.
In 2025, however, Australian teams have defended their castle in every game against visitors from across the ditch.
Fresh off a bye, six rounds to play and play off places up for grabs, let’s hope a massive Suncorp crowd can fire up the Anzac spirit for the Reds and get the w in what looks like a certain arm wrestle.
