Round 6: Battle of Brisbane III: “Banged Up” Broncos vs “Phins Up” Dolphins
Across the city of Brisbane a divide is starting to set in, one that threatens to tear families apart and destroy friendships at their very core.
North vs South. Young vs Old. Those who celebrate 36 years of history against those that want change and want it now. Put simply, it's Brisbane vs The.
Just like when these teams met for the first time just over 12 months ago, the stakes are high for both clubs. The Dolphins are flying off the back of three straight wins, while the Broncos are looking to kickstart what has been a season so far defined as much by the players on the field as by those who have to be left off it.
And just like each of the first 5 games of 2024, there are new unavailabilities for the Broncos to navigate. Captain Adam Reynolds is set to miss a fortnight after suffering a strained hamstring, while winger Deine Mariner is out for at least the next month after fracturing bones in his back.
But they aren't the only side hit by the injury bug last week, and their opponents are no better. Herbie Farnworth misses the first opportunity to go toe to toe with his former teammates after picking up an AC Joint injury in the dying stages of their win against the Tigers, while Felise Kaufusi picked up a linebreak, a try assist and a hamstring strain in one single play. And while he was named, prop and fellow ex-Bronco Tom Flegler is also in doubt due to an AC Joint issue of his own.
Brisbane won the first two clashes against the Dolphins last season, including the famous Round 4 clash which saw Kotoni Staggs declare Suncorp Stadium as their [bleep]ing house. And I'm sure those results did not sit very well with those in red, white and gold, much less in the mind of coach Wayne Bennett.
Last meeting: Round 18 2023 - Broncos 24 Dolphins 16
Who to watch: The return of Reece Walsh feels like a massive weight has been lifted from the shoulders of the Broncos. As good as Tristan Sailor is (and certainly he's been good enough to force his way onto their interchange bench), he lacks the ability to control opposing defences like Walsh seemingly can any time he touches the ball. Walsh was flying before his fractured cheekbone suffered against the Panthers, and he'll want to continue that form.
But his opposing number 1 has been just as impressive, in the shape of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. With 5 tries in the first 4 games, the Hammer is in a rich vein of form. And with Origin now starting to move to the front of minds, outplaying the incumbent Queensland fullback could see him emerge as a bolter for the number 1 jersey himself.
Assuming he does play, how Tom Flegler performs against his former teammates - especially with the absence of Payne Haas - will also capture attention. The Tank from Tully is averaging 111 metres per game, which even while being diluted by his shortened appearance last week is still more than he did at Brisbane last year.
This match is also a chance for a pair of halfbacks to make a statement in Jock Madden and Isaiya Katoa. Madden has been handed a great opportunity to show that he can step into the void at number 7 once Adam Reynolds retires. Katoa meanwhile has looked a completely different player to what we saw in 2023, and leading the Dolphins to their first ever win against the Broncos might make some armchair observers sit up and take notice.
The favourite: Even with the loss of their captain, the return of Reece Walsh has left the Broncos as the favourites in this one.
My tip: Wayne Bennett will have the Dolphins fired up for this match, but ultimately he can't go and play it for them. When you look at each team 17 against 17, the Broncos have the clear advantage on paper. Broncos by 12
