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.
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
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.
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.
A blockbuster backrow battle awaits as the Queensland Reds prepare to host the ACT Brumbies this Saturday, March 30. The Reds vs Brumbies Super Rugby double-header kickoff 4:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
McReight focused on improvement after Reds’ collapse
Photo Credit: Facebook/Queensland Reds
Reds flanker Fraser McReight is determined to put last week’s error-riddled 40-31 upset loss to the Western Force behind him as the Reds aim to rebound from disappointing defeats for both their men’s and women’s teams.
McReight acknowledged that Queensland were far from their best in Perth. He identified their set-piece play and preparation for away games as key areas for improvement.
“It’s on the road where it’s going to be very challenging,” he says.
“We’ve got some tough opponents coming up on the road, going to NZ, going to Fiji. It’s a great test, and we’ve just got to learn how the group goes together on away trips, how we can better prepare ourselves.”
He is also eagerly anticipating the matchup against the Brumbies’ in-form loose forward unit.
“They’re very athletic, aren’t they? Brumbies have a great backrow, they always have. I think it’s going to be a great match-up on the weekend,” McReight says.
Reds vs Brumbies : Queensland seek redemption after previous blowout defeat
Photo Credit: QLD Reds Rugby
With the memory of last year’s 24-52 home loss to the Brumbies still fresh, the Reds are determined to exact revenge.
“It’s always been such a close game, fortunately for them they were able to knock us over last year at Suncorp which is probably still hurting a few of us, so really really looking forward to this weekend.”
American singer Pink, also known as Alecia Beth Moore, has expressed profound gratitude towards her Australian fans as her 20-day Summer Carnival tour in Australia shatters records and concludes in Brisbane with a grand finale at Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
Pink, 44, took to Instagram to thank her fans for their unwavering support over the past two decades, as her tour set new benchmarks in Australian music history.
Among the achievements, Pink’s tour boasted the highest ticket sales for any tour by a female artist in Australia. Notably, Pink’s tour comprised the most stadium shows ever performed by any regional artist, solidifying her status as a powerhouse performer.
With over 3.1 million tickets sold, she became the first singer to perform 20 stadium shows across Australia and New Zealand in a single tour, cementing her status as one of the most iconic international performers Down Under.
The tour also marked significant attendance records at iconic venues, including Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, and Eden Park in Auckland. Michael Coppel, Chairman of Live Nation Australasia, lauded Pink’s unparalleled talent and enduring connection with her Australasian audience, predicting even greater success in her illustrious career.
After her monumental success on stage, Pink shared glimpses of her offstage adventures with her family. Joined by her husband Carey Hart and their two children, Pink enjoyed a memorable day at a koala sanctuary.
The family indulged in close encounters with Australian wildlife, with Pink documenting the experience on social media. The visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket offered Pink’s children, Willow and Jameson, aged 12 and 7 respectively, an enriching opportunity to interact with native animals, including feeding kangaroos and holding owls.
Australian Lifestyle
Pink’s affection for Australia extends beyond her musical accomplishments. In February 2023, she hinted at the possibility of obtaining Australian citizenship, emphasising her deep connection to the country.
Her recent visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary further underscores her admiration for Australian culture and wildlife. As she considers Australia her second home, Pink’s integration into the local community reflects a genuine appreciation for the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant atmosphere.
A Testament to Resilience and Motherhood
Pink’s tour showcases her musical prowess and highlights her resilience as a working mother. Despite the challenges of touring with a family, Pink has deftly balanced her professional commitments with her roles as a wife and mother.
Her candid reflections on motherhood during interviews provide insight into the complexities of her life on the road. As she navigates the demands of stardom and family life, Pink inspires women worldwide, demonstrating that dedication and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Photo Credit: Pink/Instgram
As Pink bids farewell to her Australian fans after a whirlwind tour, anticipation mounts for her future endeavors. With two decades of career, Pink continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances and unwavering passion for music.
The Broncos are eager to shake off their early-season woes as they prepare to face the North Queensland Cowboys in the highly anticipated Queensland Derby on Friday, March 29. Broncos vs Cowboys kick off 5:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos are coming off a disappointing 34-12 loss to the Penrith Panthers. The team’s woes were compounded by the absence of Captain Adam Reynolds and forward leader Payne Haas. An early injury to fullback Reece Walsh, also forced him off the field after a head clash with Taylan May.
Their last game also served as a rematch of last year’s Grand Final. The Broncos experienced heartbreak as the Panthers pulled off an all-time comeback, overturning a 12-24 deficit to win 26-24 and secure their third straight premiership.
Broncos vs Cowboys, the Queensland derby
It is still early days, but at the moment a large gap separates the Queensland derby sides. Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos
While the Broncos (1-2) are licking their wounds, the North Queensland Cowboys (3-0) have been in scintillating form. The Cowboys remain the only undefeated team in the league through three rounds.
The Broncos will aim to get their season back on track and claim bragging rights in the Queensland Derby.
For the Broncos to emerge victorious, they will need to tighten their defensive efforts and minimise missed tackles, which proved costly against the Panthers.
The stage is set for an enthralling encounter between two fierce Queensland rivals, with the Broncos looking to bounce back and the Cowboys aiming to maintain their unblemished start to the season.
The Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, both coming off disappointing Round 1 losses in Vegas, are set to make changes to their respective lineups as they prepare to face each other in Round 2. Broncos vs Rabbitohs kickoff at 7:00 p.m. AEST at Suncorp Stadium on March 14.
For the Broncos, Brendan Piakura, who was ruled out of their season opener against the Roosters after failing his Head Injury Assessment, has been named in the back row. Corey Jensen receives a promotion to the starting lineup, bumping Martin Taupau to the bench.
Captain Adam Reynolds will also suit up despite a knee issue sustained in Round 1.
The Rabbitohs, on the other hand, will be without Jai Arrow, who sustained a shoulder injury. Starting in his place will be Tallis Duncan. Shaquille Mitchell will also make his first appearance of the 2024 season, coming onto the bench to replace Jacob Host.
Recent matchups
Selywn Cobbo scored 20 tries in 24 games for Brisbane in 2023. Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos have the recent edge, winning three of the last four clashes against the Rabbitohs. Centre Kotoni Staggs continues to dominate the Bunnies, scoring six tries in seven games.
On the other hand, the Rabbitohs have won their last four games at Suncorp. The Broncos will aim to shatter this streak, leaning on winger Selwyn Cobbo’s impressive record of 20 tries in his last 18 appearances at the venue.
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.
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.
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.
Amid fierce competition, Tom Lynagh earns a start at the No.10 position as the Queensland Reds announce their starting lineup for their highly anticipated Round 1 match against the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Here’s how the team will lineup against the Waratahs. Photo Credit: Instagram/Queensland Reds
Head coach Les Kiss has named nine players with Wallabies experience in the starting lineup, including co-captains Tate McDermott and Liam Wright.
Twenty-year-old Tom Lynagh has been given the nod to start at flyhalf ahead of Saturday’s clash. Lynagh gained valuable Super Rugby experience last season and will look to use that in steering the Reds around the park.
“I’ve got good options at No.10 and this week it is Tom Lynagh’s opportunity.”
Three potential debutants named on bench
Three players are in line to make their Super Rugby Pacific debuts if called upon from the bench – flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, backrower John Bryant and Irish lock Cormac Daly.
McLaughlin-Phillips and Bryant are Queensland juniors who earned their first Reds caps against Japan last year. Daly joined the Reds from Sydney club Randwick and previously represented Ireland Under-20s.
Queensland v NSW, a classic rivalry
Saturday’s match reignites one of rugby’s great rivalries between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs. Both sides will be eager to start their Super Rugby Pacific campaigns with a win.
According to Coach Kiss, Reds versus Waratahs matches bring out the best in the rivalry between the states. The Reds have won the past three games against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium and will look to continue that streak.
Did you know that long before Pink became a singer-songwriter and attained pop music icon status as the first non-British to have won the 2019 Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, she was at various times in her life a skateboarder, hip-hopper, and gymnast? The colourful, multi-faceted artist is currently in Brisbane to perform a series of electrifying performances before packed crowds at the Suncorp Stadium.
The superstar, aged 44, is expected to mesmerise around 40,000 fans with her two-hour shows on Friday and Saturday, 16 and 17 February 2024. She will return at the Suncorp Stadium on 19 March 2024 for the final leg of her tour in Australia.
The shows this February weekend in Milton are expected to commence at 8:30 p.m., with the opening act by Tones and I.
Pink’s last visit to Brisbane was in 2018 as part of her “Beautiful Trauma” World Tour, making this concert a long-awaited event for her loyal Australian fans. Joined by her husband Carey Hart and their two children, Willow, 12, and Jameson (7), Pink promises a spectacular show filled with her greatest hits, aerial performances, and her trademark infectious energy.
Photo Credit: Pink/Instagram
About Pink
Born Alecia Beth Moore on 8 September 1979, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, U.S., Pink is an American singer and songwriter renowned for her rock-influenced pop songs, powerful voice, and dynamic concerts filled with gymnastics. Raised amidst her parents’ divorce, Pink harboured dreams of becoming a singer from an early age. She began performing in Philadelphia clubs as a young teenager and later sang backup for a hip-hop band.
Eventually, she ventured into songwriting and joined the R&B band Basic Instinct before transitioning to the all-female R&B group Choice. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name P!nk, partly inspired by the character Mr. Pink from Quentin Tarantino’s film “Reservoir Dogs” (1992).
After Choice disbanded, Pink embarked on a successful solo career, releasing her debut album “Can’t Take Me Home” in 2000, followed by albums like “M!ssundaztood” (2001) and “I’m Not Dead” (2006). Her hit singles include “Get the Party Started,” “Just Give Me a Reason,” and “What About Us.” Beyond music, Pink has appeared in films, supported various causes, and served as a UNICEF ambassador.
Ticket sales opened in August 2023 but those late to the party still have a chance to grab seats. Whilst VIP packages for Brisbane’s show are already sold-out, fans can choose from general admission tickets, especially for the 19 March 2024 show, starting at $178.50, to the premium Gold Circle Standing tickets at a steeper $311.00.
Suncorp Stadium recommends arriving early to avoid last-minute rush.
Ticket holders are encouraged to utilise free public transport on Brisbane bus and train services. Special Event shuttles will also commence at 4:30 p.m. from various city and suburban hubs.
Attendees are advised to plan their journey using the TransLink website and be mindful of parking restrictions in the surrounding Lang Park Traffic Area.
Secure Parking at The Barracks on Petrie Terrace offers parking spots available from $75 on Friday and Saturday nights.
When the Beatles played their very first live gig at The Jacaranda in Liverpool in 1960 after changing their name from The Silver Beatles, before playing live virtually everyday for four years clocking up 1,400 concerts in Liverpool and around the world, who would have known that one of the awesome foursome would still be playing live 63 years later?
Sir Paul McCartney’s Got Back World Tour hits Brisbane on November 1 and you can expect he’s going to bring a mixture of his solo numbers and some of the most memorable work of The Beatles.
Did you know that Let it Be was written by Sir Paul around a dream he had about his mum, Mary, who died when he was 14 from cancer?
“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be “
Hey Jude
Sir Paul wrote “Hey Jude” in his head whilst driving his Aston Martin to see John Lennon in the English Countryside. He was concerned for John’s son, Julian, as John now had a new girlfriend, Yoko Ono, replacing his mother, Cynthia. The song started off as “Hey Jules, Don’t make it bad, take a sad song and make it better”.
Can’t Buy Me Love
“Can’t Buy Me Love” was written on a piano in a huge suite in the George V Hotel near the Champs-Elysees in Paris. The Beatles were in the middle of a marathon concert series in Paris, performing two, sometimes three, live gigs a day for 18 days straight.
A Grand Piano had been brought to their hotel suite and Sir Paul would tinkle the ivories as his way to wind down. A new song was never far away and he says “Money can’t buy you a happy family or friends you can trust.”
Love Me Do
“Love Me Do” was written by Paul and John when they were skipping school. It was written about Sir Paul’s girlfriend at the time, Iris Caldwell.
At the time The Beatles were playing cover songs in their gigs, mostly blues by artists like Little Richard and Ray Charles but “Love Me Do” was their first attempt to include an original song in a set list whilst playing shows in Hamburg, Germany.
It became The Beatles first single when it was released in 1963 by Parlaphone Records. It only reached #17 in the UK Charts, though it went to #1 in the US Charts in 1964 when released by a very small label called Tollie. Apparently, Capitol Records, Parlaphone’s US counterpart, refused to release it as they projected it would be a flop.
When young Paul McCartney was 11 years old, he auditioned for the Liverpool Cathedral Choir and was turned down. However, in a glimpse to why he became so great, he auditioned for another choir at St Barnabas Church, Mossley Hill, and got in.
Sir Paul’s real first name is James, named after his dad. To avoid confusion, he was known by his middle name, Paul.
Paul was offered lessons on the piano at home but said he would rather learn by ear and he did. By sheer coincidence, the piano in their home was bought from a shop owned by the parents of the man that went on to manage the Beatles, Brian Epstein.
Paul’s dad, James, played the trumpet and piano in a big band in the 1920s. For his 13th birthday, his dad gave him a trumpet; but as time went on, Paul didn’t like the fact he couldn’t sing whilst playing the trumpet so he started playing the guitar.
When he was 15, he attended a church fete in Liverpool where a band called The Quarrymen was playing, a band that included John Lennon. A few months later, Paul was invited to join The Quarrymen as lead guitarist for a gig at the New Clubmoor Hall in Norris Green, Liverpool.
Nerves and inexperience led him to make a mess of his solo in a song called “Guitar Boogie”, resulting in a young fella called George Harrison taking over as lead guitarist.
Even whilst he was with The Beatles, Paul was working on a solo career. In 1966, he wrote the soundtrack to a movie called The Family Way, which starred Hayley Mills.
His songwriting was prolific, with a singularly commercial appeal. He wrote 33 #1 US Hits.
Sir Paul McCartney performing Get Back at the Suncorp Stadium in 2017 Photo Credit: Youtube/strangedaysindeed9
Sir Paul last performed at Suncorp Stadium in December 2017, as part of his One On One world tour. That concert was completely sold out, with 40,000 fans braving the rainy weather to see the Beatles legend perform.
The 2017 Suncorp show had it all: An early The Quarrymen song with John Lennon, In Spite of All the Danger; Beatles classics like Helter Skelter and All My Loving; Wings favourites like Jet and Live and Let Die; and even newer tracks like My Valentine and FourFiveSeconds.
His set list brought nostalgia to the crowd, as he delighted Brisbane fans with a wide range of tracks from his career, including Beatles megahits Can’t Buy Me Love and Let It Be.
During the three-hour set, he was seen sometimes playing the Hofner bass that he famously played throughout his run with the Beatles and also using the acoustic guitar that he used to play Yesterday on The Ed Sullivan Show.
McCartney tweaked his set lists from night to night, consistently including fan favourites such as Hey Jude to end his main performance and The End for his encore. All-time classics shared the stage with newcomers, his latest hits intersecting with his storied past.
While there was no verbal statement, I think it speaks volumes that immediately after the encore started, Sir Paul and the band ran about the stage, each carrying gigantic flags: Australian, Aboriginal and the Rainbow taking pride of place with the British.
Beyond the music, a wordless but resonant display spoke volumes about the heart of this ageless musician. For the Brisbane crowd, it was a stirring final image.
‘Got Back’ to Brisbane in 2023
Presented by Frontier Touring, Sir Paul McCartney’s ‘Got Back’ World Tour hits Brisbane on November 1 at the Suncorp Stadium, marking his third visit to Brisbane. After his first show with Wings in Brisbane in 1975, fans had to wait 42 years (!) for him to come back for his 2017 show.
Frankly anybody who made it to his concert in 2017 would have been perfectly entitled to think that was his swansong, but at the ripe old age of 81, this extraordinary man will once more light up Suncorp Stadium.
Bringing his unbelievable stamina to the fore once again, Sir Paul’s ‘Got Back’ set list opens with Can’t Buy Me Love, a catchy song that will segue into one hit after another, as Sir Paul performs pieces from Wings such as Nineteen Hundred Eighty-five, and Let ‘Em In; many of the usual fan favourites from the Beatles playbook including Blackbird, Let It Be,Live and Let Die, and Hey Jude; and even a song from The Quarrymen days.
Yesterday doesn’t seem to be part of the ‘Got Back’ set list at all, although it figured as one of the encore songs in 2017.
To support him on this tour, Sir Paul has brought his usual band, composed of Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens on keyboards, Brian Ray on bass / guitar, Rusty Anderson on guitar, and Abe Laboriel Jr on drums.
The Matildas lost 3-1 to England in Sydney, while Sweden were beaten 2-1 by Spain. England’s victory over Australia sets up a meeting with Spain in the Final.
Kerr’s Stunner Not Enough as England End Australia’s Run
Sam Kerr scores a screamer to level the match 1-1. Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas
A sensational long-range strike from Matildas captain Sam Kerr was not enough to see Australia past England and into their first Women’s World Cup final. Kerr’s 20-metre screamer levelled the scores after England had taken a 1-0 lead in the matchup. However, goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo put England back in front as the Lionesses held on for a 3-1 victory.
The loss ended Australia’s thrilling run through the knockout stage that saw them prevail on penalties against France. Despite their disappointment, the Matildas have surely inspired the nation with their performances.
The Matildas have drawn praise for their efforts during the World Cup, overcoming adversity and captivating fans across the country. After initial concerns over Kerr’s fitness, the team rallied to escape the group stage before finding their form in the knockouts.
The support of the Australian public has been a bright spot for Kerr and her teammates. Record crowds have turned out to back the Matildas, underlining the growth of the women’s game.
Kerr Calls for Investment to Take Game to Next Level
After Australia’s semi-final defeat, Kerr stressed the need for more funding and resources to develop women’s football. She wants this World Cup to be the start of real change.
“We need funding in our development, we need funding in our grassroots… We need funding everywhere,” Kerr said.
Both Kerr and coach Tony Gustavsson emphasised that while the Matildas have made the most of their current resources, more investment is needed at the grassroots level for Australia to truly compete with the top women’s sides.
Gustavsson said: “Let’s invest more and be genuine contenders for medals and tournaments moving forward as well.”
The team hope their inspiring performances will lead to more support to take Australian women’s football to even greater heights
Kerr added that the tournament wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity despite the home advantage. “If you bring the product to Australia, we’ll go out there and support it. And hopefully, we’ve got a few more fans that will stick around.”
The team hopes their inspiring performances will drive increased support to take Australian women’s football to even greater heights. For now, the Matildas will look to finish their tournament on a high note against Sweden.
