Tag: rugby league

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 Play-off Hopes Still Alive But Match With Eels A Must-Win

The Brisbane Broncos will face the Parramatta Eels in a must-win match for their finals aspirations. Currently four points outside the finals spots with three matches to go, the Broncos are eager to build on last week’s success as they push for a place in the playoffs. Broncos vs Eels kick off 8:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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

Broncos hopeful resurgence

Brisbane enters this fixture with confidence following two significant victories. Their comeback win against the Cowboys last week and a strong performance against the Eels earlier in the season have the Broncos faithful expecting another win.

In the away match against the Cowboys, the Broncos overcame a significant deficit and a hostile environment to claim a decisive victory. Initially struggling, Brisbane found themselves trailing 18-6 early in the game.

However, the leadership of skipper Adam Reynolds, alongside standout performances from Corey Jensen, Pat Carrigan, and Kotoni Staggs, saw the team rally to secure a 42-18 victory.

“There’s always faith from all the coaching staff and players that we could somewhat turn it around,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said after the Cowboys clash. 

Broncos vs Eels

In their previous encounter with the Eels on May 10, the Broncos demonstrated their ability to adapt to challenging conditions. Despite harsh weather and early setbacks, including an injury to hooker Billy Walters, Brisbane secured a 30-14 victory away at CommBank Stadium.

Deine Mariner scored two tries, including an impressive 80-metre run off an intercept. Ezra Mam added a try with a brilliant chip and chase in the wet conditions, while Selwyn Cobbo executed a skillful try, grounding a cross-field kick from Reece Walsh.

The Broncos defence, aided strongly by the ever-consistent Staggs, held strong against repeated Eels attacks, particularly in the second half.

Following this match, the Broncos face the Dolphins in what is undoubtedly a season-defining Battle of Brisbane. A victory here could significantly boost their momentum heading into their final game against the Melbourne Storm—a team that has all but secured the minor premiership.

Read: Suncorp Stadium in Milton Marks 30th Naming Anniversary

As the Broncos prepare to take on the 16th-placed Eels, they’ll be looking to capitalise on their recent form and continue their push for a spot in the playoffs. Four points out and three matches to go, every match is a must-win for Brisbane to qualify in the final eight.

Published 19-August-2024

Dolphins vs Titans: Phins Look to Cement Top Eight Spot Against Gold Coast

The Dolphins aim to keep their finals dream alive as they prepare to face the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium this Sunday, July 28. Coming off a narrow golden point loss to the reigning premiers, Wayne Bennett’s men look to solidify their position in the top eight against a struggling Titans outfit. Dolphins vs Titans kick off 4:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Broncos vs Bulldogs: Brisbane’s Finals Fate in Balance as Bulldogs Come to Town

Close loss against the reigning premiers

The Dolphins enter the match full of confidence despite a heartbreaking 28-26 loss to the Penrith Panthers, showcasing their ability to compete with the league’s best. In a thrilling encounter, the Dolphins took an early lead with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scoring a first-half double. This, along with Isaiya Katoa’s effort, gave the Dolphins an 18-12 lead at halftime.

The second half saw the Dolphins extend their lead to 26-14, with Jack Bostock scoring and Jamayne Isaako adding a penalty goal. However, the Panthers mounted a comeback, capitalising on Josh Kerr’s sin-binning in the 74th minute to level the score and force a golden point.

Despite the eventual 28-26 loss, sealed by Nathan Cleary’s 42-metre drop goal, the Dolphins’ performance against the premiers has raised their stock considerably. Their ability to push the Panthers to the limit in enemy territory bodes well for their finals aspirations.

Dolphins vs Titans

The Titans, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position, sitting six points outside the top eight after a defeat by Manly. Despite this setback, the Gold Coast side had won three consecutive matches prior, including a commanding 66-6 victory over the Warriors.

The Dolphins hold a perfect record against the Titans, winning all three of their previous encounters. Their most recent matchup saw the Dolphins overcome a slow start to claim a 30-14 victory, with Jack Bostock scoring his first career try double.

Currently sitting seventh on the ladder with a 9-8 record, the Dolphins have lost three of their last four matches. However, their competitive showing against Penrith suggests they’re hitting form at the right time.

The Titans, despite their recent struggles, boast a strong record at Suncorp Stadium, having won three of their past four games at the venue.

The matchup pits two experienced coaches against each other, with Wayne Bennett holding a 21-11 head-to-head advantage over Des Hasler. Bennett’s recent record is particularly impressive, having won his last six games against Hasler-coached teams.

Read: Dashcam Captures Two-Car Collision in Milton After State of Origin Decider

As the regular season enters its final stages, this clash holds significant implications for both teams. The Dolphins will be eager to maintain their position in the top eight and build momentum towards a potential finals berth a year after their inaugural season.

Published 22-July-2024

Maroons vs Blues: Queensland Chase Victory in Origin Decider at Suncorp

As the 2024 State of Origin series reaches its climax, Queensland prepares to defend their home turf in a decisive Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium. With the series tied at 1-1, the Maroons aim to capitalise on their impressive record in deciders and secure their third consecutive series victory. Maroons vs Blues kick off 8:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Remembering the Maroons First Lang Park Origin Decider Win in 1983

Home ground advantage

Queensland enters the decider with history on their side. The Maroons have won nine of the last ten Origin deciders, including the last six played in Queensland. Their last defeat in a home decider came in 2005, underlining the formidable challenge that awaits the Blues.

Coach Billy Slater has made strategic adjustments to strengthen the squad. Veteran Dane Gagai and dynamic fullback Kalyn Ponga return to the Origin arena, while Selwyn Cobbo slots into the centres. Kurt Capewell moves into the starting side, replacing Jaydn Su’a. Despite recent injury concerns, both Harry Grant and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow trained, boosting the team’s preparations.

Maroons vs Blues

While New South Wales has shown dominance in certain areas, Queensland maintains crucial advantages. The Maroons lead in line breaks (12 to 9) and average nearly one metre more per run than their opponents.

State of Origin team comparison
Photo Credit: The Analyst

Queensland’s ability to finish games strongly could likewise prove decisive. In recent Origin matches, the Maroons have consistently outscored the Blues in the second half, including three or more tries in four of the last five games, two of which are in the previous games of this series.

As the Maroons’ eighteenth man, a sell-out crowd at Suncorp Stadium is expected to create a rowdy atmosphere. With a combined attendance of over 167,000 for the first two games, this series is on track to be one of the most-watched in Origin history.

Read: How Love Me Again Market is Changing Brisbane’s Fashion Landscape

As the series hangs in the balance, the Maroons ability to perform under pressure in deciders will be crucial in their quest for another series victory. With home advantage, historical success, and key players in form, Queensland stands ready to write another glorious chapter in their State of Origin legacy.

Published 13-July-2024

Broncos vs Dragons: Brisbane Aim to Snap Five-Game Skid

The Brisbane Broncos aim to snap their five-game losing streak as they face the St. George Illawarra Dragons this Saturday, July 13 with captain Kotoni Staggs leading a reshaped lineup. Broncos vs Dragons kick off 7:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Remembering the Maroons First Lang Park Origin Decider Win in 1983

Recent performance shows promise

The Broncos demonstrated renewed defensive intensity in their recent 14-6 loss to the reigning premiers, Penrith Panthers. Despite falling short, Brisbane’s improved performance showed signs of a potential turnaround.

Reece Walsh delivered his best game of the year with a try and a goal in the first-half, while Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan provided tireless efforts in the middle.

Broncos vs Dragons

The Broncos welcome back several key players for the Round 19 clash. Kotoni Staggs returns to the starting side and will captain the team, providing much-needed experience and leadership. Jordan Riki also makes his comeback, strengthening the forward pack.

These returns come at a critical time, as the Broncos will be without four State of Origin representatives: Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, Selwyn Cobbo, and Reece Walsh.

Recent history favours the visitors, with the Dragons winning six of their last eight encounters against the Broncos. The Broncos’ recent home form has been likewise concerning, with only one win in their last five home games.

However, Kotoni Staggs’ return could provide a spark, given his impressive record of five tries in his last four matches against the Dragons. For the Dragons, the absence of Origin representative Ben Hunt is also a significant hurdle, as they’ve managed only one win in their last 11 games without their star halfback.

Read: Live Music, Gourmet Delights, and More at Milton by Moonlight

This match carries substantial weight for both teams. The Broncos, having dropped from fifth to eleventh on the ladder since Round 11, are desperate to regain their early-season form. A win could reignite their finals ambitions and boost confidence ahead of the final seven games of the season.

Published 09-July-2024

Broncos vs Sea Eagles: NRL Magic Round Set to Electrify Suncorp Stadium

The 2024 NRL Magic Round roars into action Friday, May 17, with a double-header featuring pivotal clashes that could shape the season for both sides involved. Raiders vs Bulldogs kicks off 6:00 p.m., followed by Broncos vs Sea Eagles two hours later at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Milton Marvel: Suncorp Stadium Roof Push Amid Magic Round Downpour Threat

Raiders vs Bulldogs

The Bulldogs go into the contest full of confidence after beating the Titans, Roosters, Knights and Wests Tigers this year. Under the guidance of Stephen Crichton, the Canterbury outfit has shown remarkable improvement. But their resolve will be put to the test against Ricky Stuart’s no-nonsense Raiders.

Coming off a hard-fought win over Manly and a well-timed bye, Canberra will be refreshed and ready to continue their Magic Round dominance. In recent years, the Raiders have twice beaten the Bulldogs (2021 and 2023) and the Sharks (2022) in this event.

Broncos vs Sea Eagles

Heading into the main event, the Broncos are riding high after a 30-14 thumping of the Eels on Friday night. They are eager to build on this momentum in their return to Brisbane, where they have claimed three out of four contests against Manly during Magic Round, including a resounding triumph last year.

Coach Kevin Walters is hopeful of welcoming back Jock Madden from a pectoral injury that has kept him out since round eight, further strengthening the Broncos’ lineup.

The Sea Eagles, reeling from the loss of star fullback Tom Trbojevic, return to Suncorp Stadium for the second consecutive week.

Read: Game Day Just Got Tastier: The Muster Grill Debuts at Suncorp Stadium

With the NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium, fans are in for a festival of football like no other. Sixteen teams descend upon Queensland’s home of rugby league for an action-packed weekend of pivotal match-ups.

Published 14-May-2024

Broncos vs Raiders: Unchanged for Canberra Grind, Stars to Return Next Week

The Brisbane Broncos will field an unchanged lineup for Saturday’s Round 7 clash against the Canberra Raiders. Jock Madden, Fletcher Baker, Corey Oates, and Jaiyden Hunt retain their starting spots after stellar performances in last week’s win over Redcliffe. Broncos vs Raiders kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Brewing Maestro: Ken Wolf Marks Over 40 Years at XXXX Brewery in Milton

Broncos take the Battle

The Broncos had to dig deep against their Queensland rivals, overcoming a sloppy first half to prevail 28-14 over the Dolphins in front of a packed Suncorp. The Broncos were simply too strong, led by monumental efforts from Pat Carrigan (46 tackles, 207 metres) and Selwyn Cobbo.

Brace for a Broncos vs Raiders grindfest

Prop Corey Jensen says the Broncos are prepared for a physical battle against the Raiders (4-2, third in the league). “They’re a side that plays the long game, they don’t mind getting into a grind.” Jensen stated.

“They love getting down and dirty with teams and that’s something we’re going to have to be ready for.”

Jensen also praised the impact of Broncos (3-3, 10th) young forwards Xavier Willison and Ben Te Kura off the bench. “He’s [Willison] an awesome prospect, same with Benny Te Kura. The sky’s the limit for both those guys with their willingness to learn and get better.”

ANZAC round up next

Ahead of next week’s ANZAC round, coach Kevin Walters confirms a quartet of stars will return from injury for the Round 8 match against Wests Tigers.

While not ready this week, prop Payne Haas (knee), winger Deine Mariner (back), captain Adam Reynolds (hamstring), and second-rower Brendan Piakura (ankle) are all expected to play against the Tigers.

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

The Broncos, gunning for a sixth-straight home win, will need to be at their physical best against Canberra’s grind game. They need to hold on to the home crowd’s support before reinforcements arrive for the ANZAC round.

Published 17-April-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

Suncorp Stadium Management Addresses Community Concerns With Improved Security Measures

To prevent rugby league fans from using residential streets as restrooms, the Suncorp Stadium management has installed advanced CCTV cameras in the vicinity.

Read: From Penal Settlement to Lang Park – Tracking the Transformation of the Suncorp Stadium

In May 2022, the issue garnered significant attention after a violent brawl occurred during the opening night of Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.

A local resident of Clifton Street reported that five men urinated on a fence opposite her house after the match between Broncos and Cowboys, but alleged that two police officers ignored them. However, the stadium management stated that their CCTV footage review did not capture any such incident.

Suncorp Stadium management
Photo credit: Rich B/Google Maps

Last year, residents also voiced their concerns after incidents of littering, foul language, public urination, defecation, and even sex acts in public.  They highlighted that the problem might escalate due to the surge in the number of rugby league matches, particularly after the Dolphins started playing some games at the stadium.

Suncorp Stadium management
Photo credit: Justin Fattorini/Google Maps

The residents are tolerant of the lighting and noise, and acknowledge the possibility of litter. However, they are displeased with the presence of a group of drunk young men loitering in their neighbourhood. They believe that such behaviour is detrimental to the reputation of both rugby league and the stadium.

Alan Graham, general manager at Suncorp Stadium, emphasised their commitment to being a responsible neighbour in Petrie Terrace, Milton, and Auchenflower. 

In response to the incidents that occurred last year, the Suncorp Stadium management has increased security measures in Clifton St and other adjacent streets. 

Photo credit: Rob Crane/Google Maps

These measures include improving lighting on Clifton St, installing high-quality CCTV cameras to assist law enforcement in identifying offenders, regularly communicating with residents, providing portable toilets outside the stadium, liaising with the police, and implementing other precautionary measures.

Read: Suncorp Stadium in Milton Increases Concert Cap to 12

The act of public urination is classified as an offence under the Queensland Government’s Summary Offences Act 2005. Whilst it is a misdemeanour punishable by a fine, it is still frequently determined in court.

Published 21-April-2023