Dolphins
12
Match Complete
Brisbane Broncos
18
| 77 |  | K. Staggs | ||
| 71 |  | A. Reynolds | ||
| 69 | | K. Capewell | ||
| J. Isaako | | 64 | ||
| H. Tabuai-Fidow | | 62 | ||
| J. Isaako | | 57 | ||
| J. Wallace | | 56 | ||
| 49 | | S. Cobbo | ||
| 22 | | J. Arthars |
| 2 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 4 of the NRL continues this evening with the first ever top-flight meeting of the Dolphins and Brisbane Broncos from Suncorp Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8pm (AEDT).
There’s been considerable excitement brewing around Brisbane this week, with tonight’s combatants both unbeaten, a sell-out crowd expected and many curious to see the birth of what could develop a very competitive rivalry. Some commentators have even used the term ‘battle of Brisbane’ and suggested the possibility of the nascent rivalry developing into a feud.
There are a couple of problems with this narrative. First, Redcliffe isn’t actually part of Brisbane, though the precise location of the Dolphins does remain something of a mystery given they’ve eschewed the Redcliffe moniker and are choosing to play most of their home games in Brisbane.
Second, and most importantly, intrastate or intra-city feuding is not how most rugby league folk roll in this part of the world. While some of the old guard still cling to rivalries forged in the days of the Brisbane Rugby League, many supporters feel a genuine kinship toward other Queensland teams.
The worst of the vitriol and venom is, of course, generally directed at those from south of the Tweed, but if the Dolphins were to challenge the Broncos’ overweening sense of importance in greater Brisbane, things could get a little feisty. Pinching Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler is a good start by the Dolphins.
Regardless, the inaugural ‘battle of Brisbane’ will certainly be willing and local bragging rights will be hard won. The Broncos are still without the injured Corey Oates but have emerged unscathed from last week’s win over the Dragons. The Dolphins were hoping to have Felise Kaufusi available but the veteran enforcer was suspended for four games on Tuesday night.
Prediction
Both teams are unbeaten, and they come from roughly the same part of the world, but that’s where the similarities end. While the Dolphins’ start has been might impressive, the term ‘impressive’ is often accompanied by terms like ‘for a completely new team quickly cobbled together from veterans and spare parts’.
The Broncos are younger, faster and have much more experience and/or quality in key positions. The Dolphins will hang tough and make a game of it, but the Broncos will have far too much firepower. Broncos by 16.
Game information
Kick-off: 8pm (AEDT)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
TV: Nine, Fox League
Live stream: Kayo Sports, NRL Live Pass
Betting: Dolphins $3.55, Broncos $1.30 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Kodi Nikorima 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert.
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Mason Teague
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan.
Interchange: 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Corey Jensen 17. Martin Taupau
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
:stoked:
GB
Roar Rookie
Yes. That's right, and he did a good job too. At the end of the day even Jarrod Wallace would have been preferable to a player that was hobbling on one leg. Of course one of the other backrowers could have been moved to centre, Lee to wing and a front rower dropped back to edge backrower. Extreme measures for extreme times. Perhaps the NRL need to look into activating the 18th man for extreme cases like this.
matth
Roar Guru
Stone had to play hooker because we lost Nikorima. But we could have put Mason Teague out there. Whatever we did there, Walsh and co would have had a field day
GB
Roar Rookie
And that there are no injuries to either side and Manly bounce back from their loss. :stoked: :thumbup:
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
I can't wait for this ! Let's hope it's clean, fast and is a showcase for all the skills !
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
some already mentioned The K. Didn’t read properly
GB
Roar Rookie
How about Ray Stone to centre, Brenko Lee to wing? It isn't the first time an NRL team had to move a backrower or middle forward to a position in the outside backs. Better to move a person who is not ideally suited to the position than have a player who is clone to immobile playing on just one good leg. That is an even bigger liability.
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
Yeah, this is what league in QLD needs. I love the rivalry between the Broncos and Cowboys but there's too much respect between the two sides, this one could develop into a genuine feud, maybe one day worthy of a book...
Simoc
Roar Rookie
No it wasn't . It needed to land on the tip of the ball so it bounced up in the air. Then its a 50/50 with the attacking team having the momentum to jump highest.
Luke S
Roar Rookie
Another reason for the Broncos to start each season with 2 competition points for crowd participation ;)
matth
Roar Guru
Katoa hopefully back next week. Still waiting on Edrick Lee. Gilbert on report.
matth
Roar Guru
Because he looks so awkward, sort of like a baby giraffe. But he’s very good
matth
Roar Guru
I was more worried about the grounding
matth
Roar Guru
Turns out he needed a lot of stitches
matth
Roar Guru
Exemplified by his doomed chase on Staggs at the death. What a player. One everyone loves the play beside
Alan
Roar Rookie
The NRL has a spring in its step. This has been a fantastic start to the season.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Many more Broncs fans
matth
Roar Guru
The only back available was Nikorima who got knocked out. Literally no one else available.
Redcap
Roar Guru
I don't a lot of the time - I occasionally pray for a stoppage so I can catch-up. :happy:
matth
Roar Guru
He’s very much a makeshift hooker. Our two hookers are both out