Dolphins v Broncos preview

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Dolphins v Brisbane Broncos Friday 8:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

The Battle of Brisbane returns to Suncorp Stadium as the Dolphins play host to the Brisbane Broncos in the Broncos' favoured Friday Night Football. 

The Dolphins are still searching for their first win of the season after a frustrating 30-18 loss to the Wests Tigers in Round 3. Despite an impressive first half that saw them take an 18-12 lead into the break, they failed to register a single point in the second half as the Tigers ran in three unanswered tries.

Jack Bostock opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, while Herbie Farnworth crossed for a well-worked try off a Daniel Saifiti break. However, their defensive structure fell apart late in the contest, a recurring issue in their winless start under Kristian Woolf.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are coming off a confidence-boosting 26-16 win over the Cowboys in their first Queensland derby of the year. A pair of moments of magic from their star players in the first half saw them take a 12-0 lead into the break, with the Cowboys only briefly threatening early in the second half.

Payne Haas was the standout performer, notching 23 runs for 210 metres and scoring an incredible solo try to claim the Carl Webb Medal. Adam Reynolds also hit a major career milestone, moving to third on the NRL's all-time points-scorer list.

For the first time this season, Kristian Woolf has named an unchanged Dolphins lineup, hoping some consistency will help them gel after a slow start. Key players Jack Bostock and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will be better for the run after making their return from injury last week. Kenny Bromwich has been named 18th man, but the real focus will be on Herbie Farnworth, who has a history of finding the try line at Suncorp and will be keen to continue that form against his former club.

The Dolphins have shown in the past that they can upset the Broncos, and they'll need to rediscover their attacking rhythm to have any chance on Friday night.

Brisbane has made just one change for this clash, with Kotoni Staggs returning for his first game of the season. He partners Gehamat Shibasaki in the centres, with Deine Mariner moved to the extended bench. The Broncos will be out to avenge last year's loss in this fixture, which was their first-ever defeat to the Dolphins in The Battle of Brisbane.

With a second-straight win over an in-state rival on the line, Brisbane will be aiming to build momentum and reinforce their status as the dominant side in Queensland.

Last meeting: Round 26 2024 - Dolphins 40 Broncos 6

Who to watch: The return of Kotoni Staggs bolsters Brisbane's attacking weapons. A strike centre who can create something from nothing, his presence could be crucial in breaking down the Dolphins' defence.

Herbie Farnworth will be playing against his old side, and he has a habit of lighting up Suncorp Stadium. He has scored two tries in each of his last two games at the venue and will be looking to extend that streak to help his side claim their first win of 2025.

Favourite: The Broncos are firm favourites, with the Dolphins struggling to find form and still without a win this season.

My tip: The Broncos are back in their favoured Friday 8 pm time slot at Suncorp Stadium, and with Payne Haas in dominant form and Staggs returning, they'll be tough to beat. Broncos by 18.

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. Sean O'Sullivan

1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Brendan Piakura 18. Tyson Smoothy

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Jarrod Cole; Video Referees: Todd Smith;