Tag: NRL Dolphins

Broncos vs. Dolphins: The Battle for Brisbane with Finals on the Line

The Brisbane Broncos face a do-or-die clash against the Dolphins this Saturday, 31 August as both teams vie for a crucial spot in the NRL finals—this fourth instalment of the Brisbane derby could determine which team’s season will continue. Dolphins vs Broncos kick off 5:30 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Class Acts at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton Over the Years

Current standings and top eight race

With the NRL season approaching its climax, every point counts in the race for a top-eight finish. The Broncos and Dolphins, locked on 26 points each, find themselves in a fierce battle not just against each other, but also against the Knights and Raiders, for the last available playoff spot. 

Currently, the Broncos hold a slight edge, sitting in ninth place due to a superior point differential.

With only two rounds remaining, Saturday’s derby could effectively end the losing team’s season. As both teams fight for survival, every match in this late-season push becomes crucial.

Following this Battle for Brisbane, the Broncos will shift their focus to the Melbourne Storm, who clinched the minor premiership with a win over the Dolphins last week. Storm coach Craig Bellamy has suggested that he might rest some key players in the final two games to keep them fresh for the finals series—a potential boon for the Broncos.

Broncos vs Dolphins

The Broncos enter the match with momentum on their side. They’ve steadied their campaign in recent weeks, most notably securing a commanding 30-24 victory over the Eels last Friday. This win has kept their playoff aspirations intact and boosted team morale.

In contrast, the Dolphins are grappling with a concerning form slump, having managed just three wins in their last 12 outings and conceding 150 points in their past four. This downturn has coincided with the absence of key player Jeremy Marshall-King, who has missed the past seven matches due to a foot injury. There’s hope he may return for this critical fixture, providing the Dolphins with a much-needed boost.

All eyes will be on Broncos stars Reece Walsh and Payne Haas as they look to return from injury. Centre Kotoni Staggs is in excellent form, having scored six tries in his past six games. Meanwhile, the ever-consistent lock Patrick Carrigan is expected to deliver another impactful performance.

The rivalry between these Brisbane teams has been intense, with the Broncos dominating their encounters. Since the Dolphins’ return to the NRL, the Broncos have won all three matchups. In their last meeting, Brisbane overcame a slow start to secure a 28-14 victory, marked by a decisive second-half surge that saw them score four tries in just 14 minutes.

Read: Suncorp Stadium in Milton Marks 30th Naming Anniversary

As the tension builds towards Saturday’s clash, Broncos and Dolphins faithful know that this derby will define their season. With finals aspirations and local pride on the line, this showdown is set to be one of the most pivotal moments of the 2024 home-and-away competition.

Published 26-August-2024

Broncos vs Dolphins: Contract Wars Add Spice to the Battle of Brisbane

The Battle of Brisbane will have an extra layer of intrigue this week, as the Broncos and Dolphins clash with salary cap pressures adding extra spice to the cross-town rivalry. Broncos vs Dolphins kickoff 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12 at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: From Classroom to Cafeteria: Milton Kids Reinvent Snack Time

Broncos boosted by Walsh return, face tough contract decisions

The Broncos have received a major boost with the return of star fullback Reece Walsh from a facial fracture. He joins Jordan Riki (ankle) in making a timely comeback for the home side.

Their returns are a major boost for the team, especially since captain Adam Reynolds (hamstring) and Payne Haas are still sidelined.

The wealth of talent in the Brisbane side and a looming salary cap crunch could mean tough decisions lie ahead.

The Dolphins have several million dollars in cap space, giving them the financial firepower to target top Broncos players who may not fit under the tightening Brisbane budget. This could reignite contract wars between the two clubs, with names like Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs potentially in the Dolphins’ sights.

Two former Broncos, Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler, have already joined the Dolphins for this year. However, a late injury setback has forced Flegler to withdraw from the match against his former side.

Staggs doubles down on “our house” claim

Kotoni Staggs
Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has already fired the first shot, doubling down on his emotional “this is our house” declaration after scoring the match-winning try against the Dolphins last season.

“It wasn’t really planned,” Staggs said. “Once I scored that try it just came to me. It was the first game we ever played against the Dolphins and I just wanted to let them know who owned Suncorp.”

Broncos vs Dolphins, the battle for Suncorp

The Dolphins share Suncorp Stadium as a home ground with the Broncos, but Staggs made it clear he sees the venue as belonging to the Brisbane club. This is sure to add further spice to Friday night’s encounter.

On the field, the Broncos (2-3) will be looking to bounce back from a narrow loss to the Storm. Meanwhile, the Dolphins (3-1) are flying high at the top of the ladder after three wins out of four.

Read: Pink in Brisbane: Record-Breaking Summer Carnival Tour Culminates in Milton

The Broncos have won both their matches at Suncorp this season. The Dolphins have won one and lost one away from home. This Battle of Brisbane will be the first test of who can assert their dominance over The Cauldron in 2024.

Published 11-April-2024

Dolphins vs Cowboys: Bromwich Talks Lineup Choices for Season Opener at Suncorp Stadium

The Dolphins prepare to kick off their NRL season opener against the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium this Sunday, March 10 at 3:05 p.m. Dolphins skipper Jesse Bromwich sheds light on the team’s lineup choices for the highly anticipated matchup.

Read: Brisbane Broncos Faithful in for Thrilling Ride with 2024 NRL Fixtures

Jesse Bromwich on the lineup

Tesi Niu
 Tesi Niu lost 8 kilograms during his impressive pre-season. Photo Credit: The Dolphins

Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich provides insights into the selections and omissions for Sunday’s clash against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.

Bromwich praises Tesi Niu’s determination and impressive pre-season efforts, which have earned him a place in the starting side. “He’s impressed not only the coaching staff but all the players as well – the determination to get those things done,” Bromwich says.

Kodi Nikorima’s utility and consistent performances last season have secured his spot, according to the captain. “He fixed a lot of positions for us last year and he’s another one… he’s had a really good pre-season.”

Bromwich also commends Nikorima’s leadership qualities, noting his willingness to share his knowledge with younger players.

Max Plath’s versatility and exceptional work ethic during the pre-season have earned him a place in Bennett’s side. Bromwich likens Plath’s style of play to Tom Gilbert, praising his energetic approach and ability to link the backs and forwards.

Sights set on another strong start

Bromwich, who plans to retire at the end of the season, has never lost a round one game in his NRL career. The skipper is is keen to maintain that record against the Cowboys.

He expects a similar level never-give-up attitude from the team that propelled them to a strong inaugural season.

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The Dolphins captain is also looking forward to the continued support from the fans, recalling the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the stands last season.

Published 08-March-2024