The visit of the currently unbeaten Canterbury Bulldogs to Suncorp on Thursday night has become a “must win” for the Broncos who are looking to regain momentum after back-to-back losses.
The 20-18 loss to the Warriors last Saturday in Auckland, was the result of leaking three tries in 13 minutes of the second-half.
Paddy Carrigan with 53 tackles and Payne Haas running 219 metres were the highlights for the Broncos but the 69% completion rate against the Warriors 84% wasn’t going to get it done.
Madge Maguire’s men will be without Reece Walsh, who has a knee injury. Selwyn Cobbo will move to fullback and Deine Marriner will play on the wing. Brendan Piakura will be on the bench after his two match suspension for a high tackle charge.
The Bulldogs are aiming for their first “7 match winning streak” since 2014, and will field the same starting 13 as last week’s win against the Rabbitohs. Harry Hayes will replace Jack Todd on the bench, Todd out with a fractured arm.
After shutting out the Knights (20-0) and the Rabbitohs (32-0) in the last two games, the Bulldogs defence is building a big reputation, partly down to their strong line speed, they concede on average only 9 points per game. Their left-edge attack is their offensive edge. Second half stamina is also proving an area of dominance, having held several teams scoreless in the second stanza this year. After seven years straight of missing the playoffs, the Bulldogs broke that run last year and in 2025 have taken their performance to a new level under Cameron Ciraldo, in his third season.
The Broncos will really need the Suncorp crowd to lift them over the line, the game kicks off at 7.50 p.m.
A Lexus seen recently in Milton with only a silver crown on its black number plate caused some confusion. The unusual plate is the legal and official license plate assigned for the use of Queensland’s Governor, Dr Jeannette Young.
The sight of the distinctive Lexus without standard letters or numbers caught a motorist’s attention as they drove through the inner Brisbane suburb of Milton earlier this week. The driver captured an image using their dashcam and shared it online, asking fellow Queenslanders if such a number plate was permitted on the roads.
The query prompted discussion and some lighthearted jokes online, with one person humorously suggesting it belonged to the “Queen of Brisbane,” while others correctly identified its official nature.
Community members commenting online confirmed that the number plate displaying only a crown is reserved for the Governor of Queensland. Several users pointed out that this specific plate signifies the official vehicle used by Dr Jeannette Young. One commenter noted the car was spotted on Fernberg Road, where the Governor’s official residence is.
The crown emblem is not just decorative; it holds significant meaning. It shows the Governor’s position as the monarch’s representative in Queensland. This plate type is part of a long tradition in Australia, where symbols denote high office. Like royal symbols on official documents or uniforms, the crown on the number plate is a clear mark of governmental authority and status.
Security, Protocol, and Official Vehicles
Using these exclusive plates helps with security arrangements and formal procedures, especially during state functions or official events. Online contributors familiar with protocol added context, explaining that official flags are usually mounted on the front bumper when the governor is travelling in the car.
For formal ceremonies, the Governor’s car is typically escorted by three police motorcycles. On less formal trips, an unmarked police vehicle often accompanies the Governor’s car for discreet security. The online discussion also mentioned that while the Lexus is likely the Governor’s daily transport, a Rolls Royce is kept for ceremonial duties, though both may carry the crown plate.
Unlike personalised plates, these special crown plates are not available for purchase by the general public. They are considered part of Queensland’s state heritage and administrative identity.
This practice isn’t unique to Queensland; other states, like Victoria where a similar BMW SUV with a crown plate was seen earlier this year, also reserve special plates for their Governors. The system ensures that vehicles carrying high-ranking officials representing the Crown are easily identifiable for protocol and security reasons.
Residents of Milton are being encouraged to attend the Sustainable BNE Festival at Roma Street Parkland, offering a free community event focused on practical ways to live more sustainably.
Sustainability in Action Returns to Roma Street Parkland
Milton residents can once again look forward to Brisbane’s leading eco-living event as the Sustainable BNE Festival makes its annual return Sunday, 25 May 2025. Formerly known as the Green Heart Fair, the festival will take place at Roma Street Parkland and aims to inspire individuals and families to adopt more sustainable lifestyles through engaging activities and expert-led sessions.
Origins and Purpose of the Festival
Launched by BCC in 2009 as the Green Heart Fair, the festival was rebranded to the Sustainable BNE Festival and is now delivered in partnership with Brisbane Sustainability Agency. It remains the city’s largest sustainability event, designed to demonstrate low-emission, circular living practices and foster a resilient community.
The festival reflects Brisbane’s wider environmental goals by focusing on three long-term outcomes: restoring natural environments, demonstrating sustainability in everyday life, and building climate resilience.
Activities and Zones Across the Parkland
The event will feature several themed areas tailored to different sustainability topics and community interests. Highlights include:
BCC Zone – free native plants and tips on waterway health
Healthy Cities Zone – yoga, silent discos, coffee incentives, and urban gardening
Green Home Living Zone – composting, solar energy, and low-waste living
Preserve Every Drop Zone – water-saving advice and resources
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Zone – waste reduction with OzHarvest and more
Eco Kids’ Zone – nature-based crafts, games, and painting
Move for Less Zone – e-bike trials and electric vehicle education
Sustainable Shopping Zone – preloved fashion and handmade local goods
Feast Street – food trucks offering compostable serveware and diverse cuisines
Resilient Home Zone – flood-resilient building tips
Community Corner – showcasing local sustainability initiatives
Everground by QUT – art installations by university students
Green Heart Ranger – crafts and hands-on sustainability activities
Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Instagram
Environmental Commitment and Waste Reduction
The event is designed as a zero-waste festival. Measures include:
No sale of single-use plastic water bottles
Water refill stations and reusable cup incentives
A mug library for those without reusable coffee cups
Dedicated waste stations with general, recycling, and organic bins
Volunteers acting as Waste Warriors to guide proper disposal
Repurposed and second-hand furniture for event use
Sustainable practices adopted by all food vendors
Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Instagram
Access and Amenities
Entry to the festival is free. All workshops and activities are included. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is open to all ages. Attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport. Facilities will include accessible paths, toilets, ATM access, first aid services, and hydration stations. Dogs are allowed on leads. Designated water areas will be provided.
Milton residents can also get involved as volunteers or exhibitors. Applications remain open for individuals and organisations interested in contributing to the festival’s delivery. The event is managed by the Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of BCC.
Milton holds three unique Anzac memorials that connect generations of military service—from the soldiers of World War I to those who served in Afghanistan. Just a few streets apart, these spaces each offer a different way to remember, reflect and learn.
Honouring Modern Service — The 42 for 42 Afghanistan Memorial Garden
Tucked alongside Suncorp Stadium on Chippendall Street, the 42 for 42 Afghanistan Memorial Garden stands as a quiet place for personal reflection. The garden features 42 black granite plaques arranged in a circle—41 of them carry the names of Australian soldiers who died during the Afghanistan campaign. The 42nd is for those lost to suicide and mental health issues after returning home.
Built by a group of veterans and supported by their families and community members, the garden offers an interactive experience. Each plaque includes a QR code, allowing visitors to access individual stories and photos on their phones. At the centre of the space is a life-size bronze statue of an Australian soldier kneeling beside an Afghan child—an image chosen to represent the humanitarian side of military service.
The garden was developed with care and involvement from those who served. It has become a place not only of memory but also of healing for many families and veterans across the country. It remains open to the public and is especially visited in the lead-up to Anzac Day.
A Church’s Record of the Past — Christ Church Honour Board
Just a few steps away is Christ Church, a heritage-listed Anglican church established in 1876. Inside the church is a wooden Honour Board listing the names of parish members who served in World War I.
The board is simple but powerful. Unlike more modern memorials, it reflects the early 20th century approach to remembrance—formal, grounded in the local parish, and focused on community connection. Each name represents someone from the Milton area who left home to serve overseas during one of history’s most devastating conflicts.
Today, Christ Church continues to serve the community. It remains a space where history is honoured and where many residents return each year to reflect and pay their respects.
A National Resource with Local Connections — The Virtual War Memorial
While the first two memorials are physical, the third is entirely digital. The Virtual War Memorial Australia (VWMA) is an online platform that documents the lives and service of Australian military personnel across all major conflicts.
Although not physically based in Milton, this digital resource links closely with the suburb’s two existing memorials. Visitors to the 42 for 42 garden or Christ Church can later search the VWMA website to find more information about a specific soldier, unit or conflict. The platform features records, photos, personal letters, and even classroom resources for students and educators.
It offers a broader view of Australia’s military history while still allowing for a personal, local focus—especially useful for those researching family connections or preparing for commemorations like Anzac Day.
One Suburb, Many Generations of Service
Together, these three forms of memorial—garden, honour board and digital archive—show how one Brisbane suburb continues to carry the legacy of Anzac service. In Milton, remembrance isn’t limited to a single day or a single war. It spans generations and grows with new tools, new stories and new ways to engage.
The 42 for 42 garden brings attention to the modern costs of war, while the Honour Board at Christ Church grounds that memory in a deep local tradition. Meanwhile, the Virtual War Memorial offers a bridge between the past and the present, giving people across Australia a way to connect to service and sacrifice from their own home.
Tips for a Meaningful Visit
The best way to experience all three memorials in Milton is to start with a quiet walk through the 42 for 42 Afghanistan Memorial Garden. Reading the plaques and scanning the QR codes offers a deeply personal connection to each soldier. Visitors often leave a flower or poppy by a plaque, or simply stand in silence.
From there, a short stroll takes you to Christ Church. If the church is open, take a moment to view the World War I Honour Board. Look at the names, consider their age, and think about the community that once knew them.
Later, from home or on your phone, you can visit the Virtual War Memorial website and explore more about the individuals you encountered. You might discover additional stories, photographs or connections to your own family.
Early morning or late afternoon visits to the physical memorials are often the most peaceful. Around Anzac Day, the area is more active, with small gatherings and community tributes. Whether you go alone or with others, these spaces offer different but meaningful ways to honour service and memory in the heart of Brisbane.
When the Broncos run out onto Suncorp on Friday night to host the Roosters, with only the unbeaten Bulldogs above them in the 2025 NRL Premiership Ladder, they will do so with a growing confidence that Madge Maguire’s newly injected discipline is building momentum and delivering results. Yet there is still plenty of scope in the tank.
The Roosters however are stuck in the quagmire of wooden spoon contention with only 1 win from their first five games.
The Broncos delivered five tries in the second half last week against the improved Wests Tigers in front of 41,012 at Suncorp but 14-12 at half-time was not the dominant start they were hoping for. The half-time lead only secured by a Xavier Willison try on 37 minutes, a feat he repeated just after half time to extend the lead.
Bronco’s General, Adam Reynolds, came off injured with a tweaked hamstring, after kicking a goal on 45 minutes which he said he only put 40% of power into, as his leg was not right.
“I was looking for someone else to take the kick, but they all had their back turned,” he said.
Darren Lockyer has advocated for resting Reynolds against the Roosters despite Madge naming him in the staring lineup. Having only played 13 games last season, the 34 year old’s rest management could turn out to be key to maintain momentum for the Broncos and with Billy Walters having a strong start to the season, Lockyer’s view seems the sensible option.
Ben Hunt’s 40-20 was a big moment last week and the classic Reynolds chip-chase try were key momentum builders. Madge called out another massive shift from Paddy Carrigan, with Willison taking advantage of the Haas/Carrigan efforts.
Brendan Piakura will sit the next two games out, a suspension for a high tackle charge. Piakura, binned in the 19th minute, was also on a concussion protocol from the Wests Tigers game. Jaiyden Hunt takes his place in the backrow.
For the Roosters, debutant halfback Hugo Savala replaces Chad Townsend and Nat Butcher replaces the injured Maroons legend, Lindsay Collins, at prop. Savala, a 194cm and 96kg unit having come through the Roosters academy, gives the Roosters a new look, with a strong rep for his show and go.
Madge will be focused on maintaining the momentum and hoping the Broncos firepower with or without Reynolds will be enough to overcome a struggling Roosters. Kick-off is at 8:00 p.m. at Suncorp.
Last week’s convincing first win of the season at the Titans 36-10 will bring the Dolphins renewed energy when they run out at Suncorp on Thursday night to host the disastrous Panthers.
Kristian Woolf did a great job of mental preparation that led to four unanswered tries in the first 63 minutes of the game. The Dolphins defence only being breached for the first time in the 69th minute when the game had already been decided.
The Dolphins as a unit made more tackles (352) than the Titans (337), despite dominating on attack. Max Plath led the way with 44 tackles.
Meanwhile the Dolphins ran 1974m to the Titans 1451m, an emphatic difference that ground the Titans defence to a pulp.
The five Dolphins tries came from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on nine mins, Daniel Saifiti on 24 mins, Max Plath on 58 mins, Connelly Lemuelu on 63 mins and Jamayne Isaako on 78 mins.
Coming off the back of Herbie Farnworth’s 63m made post contact along with the Hammer and Isaiya Katoa taking strong ground, Katoa making a combined 193m and the Hammer making a combined 190m.
Now did the Panthers ever envisage they would be joint wooden spooners after five games of the 2025 season?
Four consecutive losses (first such run since 2019) to the Roosters (32-38), the Storm (30-24), the Rabbitohs (28-18) and last week hosting the Cowboys (18-22), would seem to be a great time to be playing them. However, the narrow losses suggest that a small improvement by Ivan Cleary’s men would make them favourites at Suncorp, so Woolf will need to have the Phins ready for a massive first half. The Panthers have won nine of their last 10 games at Suncorp.
Ray Stone accepted an early guilty plea for a high tackle so will miss the game and Tom Gilbert comes back in for the Dolphins.
Mark Nichols will move to the Interchange. Max Plath will play Lock and Felise Kaufusi will start in the front row.
Dylan Edwards, Luke Sommerton and Scott Sorensen return for the Panthers.
In his last three games against the Panthers, the Hammer has scored 4 tries.
The Pip Theatre in Milton will transform into a prehistoric landscape this April as “Firebringer,” a musical comedy from StarKid Productions, brings its cult-followed story of early humans discovering fire to Brisbane audiences.
The production, from 3 to 12 April, is a collaboration between independent producer Isabelle Quayle and Pip Theatre. It aims to provide a unique and accessible theatrical experience for the local community.
A Prehistoric Story on the Milton Stage
Photo Credit: Supplied
“Firebringer” tells the tale of a group of early humans and their chaotic journey after the accidental discovery of fire. The show, known for its humour and catchy songs, has gained a large online following, with original recordings attracting millions of views.
The production team aims to bring this popular story to life with a cast of Brisbane-based actors. The show’s narrative, created by StarKid Productions, known for its viral musical hits, explores themes of community and unexpected leadership within a comedic prehistoric setting. The original production’s song “We Got Work To Do” also became a viral hit on the TikTok platform.
Community and Accessibility at the Forefront
Photo Credit: Supplied
The production strongly emphasises inclusivity, seeking to make theatre accessible to a wider audience. In partnership with Triple E Services, a relaxed performance will cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities and neurodivergent audiences. The production team wanted to provide attendees a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Additionally, an Auslan-interpreted performance will be held on 11 April, in collaboration with Fab Interpreters, to ensure Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences can fully enjoy the show. These inclusive performances were included to broaden theatre access within the Brisbane community. The production team has also highlighted its focus on showcasing Brisbane’s local talents.
The production features a cast and crew of Brisbane-based artists, allowing them to showcase their skills. The co-producers have expressed their commitment to supporting independent theatre and highlighting the talent within the local arts scene. The production team highlighted that the show will offer a blend of comedy and music, appealing to a wide range of theatre-goers.
The Broncos will run out at Suncorp on Saturday night, feeling they are looking like championship contenders under Madge Maguire but also knowing that there’s plenty of scope for improvement.
The 12-20 win last week against the Dolphins in front of a soggy 44,278 fans, was the result of one try for each team in the second half — Gehemat Shibasaki grabbing his second after opening the scoring in the 11th minute, Jake Averillo going over with five minutes to go for the Dolphins.
Kotoni Staggs made a big impression on his first game back, running 122 metres from 15 possessions and scoring a crucial try. Haas and Carrigan ran 142m and 114m respectively. But Shibasaki’s 158m from 17 possessions was a massive shift. Payne Haas led the tackle count with 41, Jensen 38, Paix had 36 and Carrigan had 35.
The Broncos carry a very strong record against the Wests Tigers, 23 wins with 9 losses and 1 draw over the 33 matches played, and currently sit third with a 3 wins, 1 loss record. The Wests Tigers have shown better form this season than recent years and carry a 2-2 record, including a very narrow loss last week to the Warriors, 24-26. In that game Terrell May’s try with 20 minutes left was ruled out by the bunker for dropping the ball over the line, that would have put them two scores ahead with 20 minutes left.
Wests will miss Jarome Luai who got a one match suspension from a Grade 2 careless high tackle charge against the Warriors last week. Adam Doeihi comes back after a groin injury.
Last week Terrell May ran 152 metres and delivered three offloads as well as making 48 tackles for Wests.
The Queensland Reds gave their fans something to cheer about on March 29, grinding out a thrilling 28-24 victory over the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium in a performance that was equal parts grit, flair and composure under pressure.
It wasn’t always pretty. In fact, at times, it was downright scrappy. But in a match full of twists, momentum shifts and standout individual efforts, the Reds showed the sort of resilience that hasn’t always been their hallmark in recent years. The reward? Top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder for the first time since 2012 — a milestone that carries real weight for this resurgent side.
A See-Sawing First Half
The Reds burst out of the blocks with a try to Filipo Daugunu inside the opening five minutes, capitalising on a smart lineout play and catching the Force flat-footed. But the visitors answered in spectacular fashion through front-rower Tom Robertson, who galloped nearly half the field like a runaway back-rower to level the scores and silence the Brisbane faithful.
From there, it was end-to-end action. Young flyer Heremaia Murray crossed next for the Reds, only for Carlo Tizzano — rapidly becoming one of the competition’s most consistent performers — to dot down twice for the Force and push his season tally to a record-breaking 10 tries for a flanker.
Dre Pakeho also found the line for Queensland in an impressive outing, standing in for the injured Hunter Paisami, and Tom Lynagh’s flawless goal-kicking saw the sides locked 21-all at halftime.
The Second-Half Slog
The fireworks slowed in the second stanza as both sides tightened up defensively. A penalty goal from Force playmaker Ben Donaldson nudged the visitors ahead 24-21 with just over 20 minutes to play.
Things looked shaky for the Reds when they lost John Bryant to the bin in the 67th minute, reducing them to 14 men. But rather than wilt, they found another gear — and their general, Tate McDermott, was the man to step up.
Returning from the bench, McDermott sniped off a rolling maul in the 72nd minute to cross for what proved to be the match-winner. Lynagh’s conversion iced the game, and the Reds closed out the final minutes with poise and discipline.
What It Means
This was more than just a win. It was a statement.
Without several of their regular leaders — Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight were rested, and Liam Wright remains sidelined with a shoulder injury — the Reds still managed to steady the ship. Ryan Smith, handed the captain’s armband for the first time, was a calming presence in the pack and stood tall when the side needed direction.
The win also showcased the Reds’ depth. Pakeho impressed with both ball in hand and in defence, while Lynagh’s radar boot was vital in such a tight contest. It’s becoming increasingly clear that this isn’t a team relying on a handful of stars — it’s a squad with options, hunger, and belief.
Still Work to Do
Of course, not everything went to plan. The lineout was a glaring issue, with at least 10 opportunities either lost or misfiring. Against stronger sides, those mistakes will hurt. Coach Les Kiss will be keen to address that before they face stiffer tests in the coming rounds.
But when it mattered, the Reds found a way to win — and that’s something they’ve struggled with in seasons past. There’s a steel to this group now, and that bodes well as they head into the back half of the season.
For the Fans
For long-suffering Reds supporters, this season is beginning to feel like a return to the glory days. The team has a spark again — a blend of youth and experience, a game plan that suits their strengths, and players who are standing up in big moments.
Sitting on top of the table isn’t just symbolic — it’s a reminder that the Reds can be contenders again.
And with McDermott back in form, Lynagh kicking with confidence, and a forward pack that doesn’t mind getting dirty, there’s every reason for Queensland fans to believe this side is only just getting started.
The Queensland Reds go into their home clash against the Western Force, with a 5-1 win/loss record, currently 3rd in the Super Rugby Pacific 2025 ladder and having not lost against the Force at Suncorp since 2016.
Last week’s win at the Highlanders 23-29 was a crucial momentum builder that will give them huge confidence to take on the Force, who have won three and lost three this season, with a visit to ladder leaders, the Chiefs, looming on the horizon for the Reds next week.
A 20-12 down (tries by Asiata and Thomas) at the 56-minute mark against the Highlanders. A Filipo Daugunu try and then another from a build-up of pressure, by Lachie Anderson, got them ahead before a very cheeky finish by Daugunu, finding a tiny gap underneath the goal-line ruck, to put the ball down and put his side two scores ahead. The Reds only conceding a penalty goal into overtime despite the Highlanders having 73% of the possession in the last 10 minutes.
Superior kicking from hand was a major contribution to the Reds victory. The Highlanders won the attack battle, running 496 metres to 301 by the Reds, from 127 carries to 111 in favour of the Highlanders. Tom Lynagh and co kicked 733 metres from hand, the Highlanders only 406 metres. Lynagh is building pressure on Noah Lolesio for the Wallabies number 10 jersey. The Reds lost the breakdown battle and the lineout count (three lineouts lost against none lost by the Highlanders). So, overall the stats don’t paint the picture of a winning game.
Ryan Smith will be handed the skipper’s armband. The Reds will go into the clash without Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight who are both rested. Liam Wright is injured and Tate McDermott will make his comeback from the bench. Kalani Thomas will start again at halfback. Les Kiss being very pleased with his performance against the Highlanders.
Alex Hodgman and Massimo de Lutiis will start against the Force, having come off the bench in the strong finish against the Highlanders.
The Force travel to Suncorp after a 52-15 dominant win against Fijian Drua. The Fijians, having proven to be very competitive against some of the best sides in the comp, including being the only team to beat the table toppers, the Chiefs. Repeating that performance would certainly prove a major challenge for Les Kiss and his Reds team.
Simon Cron, the Force Coach, said he was delighted Dylan Pietsch was back after injury.
Nick Champion de Crespigny also returns at Flanker and Marley Pearce gets the loosehead start.
“We were more connected against the Drua and we need to bring that again” he said.
Two former Reds players, Hamish Stewart and Mac Grealy, will start for the Force against their old club.
The game sets up as an arm wrestle, with the Reds hoping to maintain dominance at Suncorp over the Force.
