Round 18: Broncos v Dolphins preview
Local hostilities resume between Brisbane Broncos and The Dolphins in the second installment of rugby league's latest rivalry at the strange confides of the ‘GABBA.
Brisbane Broncos took the spoils in the initial Battle of Brisbane to give the newcomers a relaity check after their hot start to their debut campaign.
The Broncos come into this game off a defeat to another one of their Queensland rivals - Gold Coast Titans. They might also be without the services of their charismatic fullback Reece Walsh who was referred straight to the judiciary for abuse of an official.
They will have a few changes with injuries biting their forward pack but the Broncos backline remains one of the most potent in the NRL. Facing off against a Dolphins side which conceded 40+ last week will have them licking their lips.
Dolphins will be quick to Men in Black style memory wipe last week from their memory. They conceded 42 points in the first half to the Eels and a derby occasion might be the thing that Dolphins need to kick them back into form.
After their positive start to life in the NRL, Dolphins have regressed to the mean losing their last three games in big margins. Coach Wayne Bennett has a task to keep his team motivated and positive to not let the team fade away to pretender status.
The Dolphins have plenty of firepower which can help them defeat the Broncos. Jamayne Isaako is the leading point scorer in the NRL with 156 and they have cult hero Valynce Te Whare in the centres to give them some joy.
Lastly, due to the upcoming FIFA Womens World Cup, this contest will be played at the historic ‘GABBA which is usually reserved for cricket. Hopefully it will be more Peter Siddle hat-trick for these sides rather than Steve Harmison's first delivery in the Ashes.
Last meeting: Round 4 2023 - Dolphins 12 Broncos 18
Who to watch: Fair to say last week wasn't the Broncos best performance. They will want to burn the tape of it and move into this local derby fresh. That is very true for halfback Adam Reynolds, the veteran didn't have his usual control of the contest and the attack was hurried. If he can get back to pulling the strings, the Broncos should sweep their regular season series.
The Broncos will be missing a few key forwards in Thomas Flegler and Jordan Riki who will be missing for the rest of the season. Keenan Palasia replaces him alongside Brendan Piakura and they will need to replicate the effort produced by the missing pair against a tough nosed Dolphins pack.
It will be a big week for the Dolphins halves - Isaiyah Katoa and Sean O'Sullivan. They were thoroughly beaten in their outing against the Eels. They face another tough test against the Broncos side so will need to be on their game with both their tackling and kicking to get the Dolphins moving forward.
Their forward pack also meets one of the best in the competition. So, they will need big performances from the experienced men in the pack including both Bromwich brothers and ‘Phin Deiseal' Felise Kaufusi. If they can match up to the Broncos pack it will give them a platform to perform better than the first derby game.
Favourite: Despite their last-start loss, Brisbane's season-long form has them well backed to down the Phins.
My tip: Last week will have served as a wake up call for the Broncos and they will want to atone for the Titans defeat with a win against their local rivals. Broncos by 16.
