Round 4: Dolphins v Broncos preview
History will be made this Friday, when the Dolphins play the Broncos in the battle of Brisbane.
Both teams have been unbeaten in this season, and one of them is looking to be the only team in the competition to win four from four games in the 2023 season.
The Dolphins have come out and impressed everyone in the opening rounds of their inaugural season, with both senior and younger players dominating the side. They are now looking on upon their first sold out home game at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane had a lacklustre first half against the St George Illawarra Dragons last week, however they came back in the last 10 minutes to score four unanswered tries, claiming a win 40-18.
If they successfully beat the Dolphins, this will be the first time since 2003 where they have had a 4-0 start to the season.
With Felise Kaufusi unsuccessful at the judiciary and declared guilty, Connelly Lemuelu is likely to take his place. The Dolphins are still without Jeremy Marshall-King who is suspended until Round 5. Edrick Lee,
Herman Ese'ese and Jarrod Wallace could also return to the team this week, after being out due to injury and personal reasons.
Ezra Mam has slight injury concern for Brisbane after the clash against the Dragons, however Kevin Walters declared post-match that "he's alright".
The Broncos have named an unchanged side from last week, with Jesse Arthars staying as Corey Oates' replacement on the wing.
Both teams have had their fair share of spotty defence and attack over the opening three rounds, but they have shown that when they avoid errors and have strong attack that they can pile on points and claim victory.
It'll be an interesting showdown, with the Dolphins having a point to prove, and both teams wanting to claim victory in the battle of Brisbane.
Last meeting: first meeting between these clubs
Who to watch: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has had an explosive start at the Dolphins where he has already scored four tries and is one of the leading try scorers in the NRL for 2023.
He dominates in the fullback position for the Dolphins, and it'll be great to see him score another try or two in the Friday night clash.
After an impressive game against the Dragons, it'll be interesting to see what Kotoni Staggs can continue to
bring to the Brisbane side. Staggs' efforts sometimes feel like they are hiding in the background and waiting to be shown, however in the games where he shines, he shines bright.
I'm hoping that he continues the strong performance that he put on during Round 3, which we all know that he is more than capable of repeating again against the Dolphins.
The favourite: Broncos are favoured to win this inaugural clash against their newest South-East QLD rivals.
My tip: With the Dolphins without Felise Kaufusi they are missing experience and a significant amount of defensive power, and I believe it'll cost them. With the Broncos having an extremely strong start to the season, they will want to continue to win and show everyone that they hold the crown in Brisbane. Brisbane by 18.
