FRIDAY, APRIL 12th, 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE
Broncos Gear Up for Showdown with High-Flying Dolphins
This season marks the first showdown for Brisbane, occurring as the Dolphins soar at the summit of the Telstra Premiership ladder.
Dolphins’ Early Success Puts Pressure on Broncos
Since their opening match setback, the competition newcomers have navigated smoothly, securing three wins – the latest being a 26-16 triumph over the Wests Tigers at home. Alongside a bye, these victories propel them to the top of the standings as Round 6 approaches.
Injury Woes Mount for Broncos as Clash with Dolphins Looms
Their impressive early form coincides with the Broncos grappling with a slew of injuries. Last week’s narrow defeat against the Storm marked their third loss in five games for the 2024 season.
Boost for Brisbane as Star Fullback Reece Walsh Returns
Brisbane receives a boost with the return of star fullback Reece Walsh following a facial fracture. However, they’ll miss the presence of captain Adam Reynolds and winger Deine Mariner due to injury.
Broncos vs. Dolphins: A Close Encounter Anticipated
While Brisbane emerged victorious in both encounters against these sides last season, the matches were closely contested, with margins of six and eight points.
Head-to-Head: Broncos vs. Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos have won both of their games at Suncorp Stadium this season, while the Dolphins have won one and lost one.
Broncos and Dolphins Name Starting Line-ups for Key Matchup
Fullback Reece Walsh is named to return from a facial fracture and has trained this week, so Tristan Sailor reverts to the interchange, with Jock Madden again the preferred replacement for injured skipper Adam Reynolds at halfback.
Experienced campaigner Corey Oates steps into the wing position, replacing Deine Mariner who is sidelined due to a back injury. Additionally, Xavier Willison returns to the bench after recovering from a concussion, reclaiming the spot previously held by Ben Te Kura.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Tristan Sailor 18. Martin Taupau 19. Benjamin Te Kura 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Blake Mozer 22. Josiah Karapani
Tom Flegler is named to play despite suffering a shoulder injury last week, but Wayne Bennett is without Herbie Farnworth (arm) and Felise Kaufusi (hamstring). That means Tesi Niu comes in at centre for his second game of the year and Jarrod Wallace joins the bench, with Kenny Bromwich slotting into the back row. Anthony Milford is other new addition to the squad and will play his first game of the year, replacing the suspended Kurt Donoghoe on the interchange,
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Anthony Milford 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Mason Teague 21. Valynce Te Whare 22. Lachlan Hubner
Broncos vs. Dolphins Matchup Statistics
The Broncos have scored 134 points in four consecutive wins at Suncorp Stadium.
Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored five tries in his past three games.
Winger Jesse Arthars has scored a try in four consecutive games for the Broncos.
The Dolphins have scored 94 points in their past three games.
Broncos centre Selwyn Cobbo scored four tries in two games against the Dolphins in 2023.
Referees: Adam Gee; Side line Officials: Michael Wise, Belinda Sharpe; Video Referees: Ashley Klein
Broncos vs. Dolphins Predictions and Player Analysis
Prediction.
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.
However, his counterpart, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, wearing the number 1 jersey, has been equally remarkable. With five tries in the first four games, Tabuai-Fidow, nicknamed “The Hammer,” is in exceptional form. As Origin considerations begin to take precedence, outperforming the current Queensland fullback could position him as a dark horse contender for the coveted number 1 jersey himself.
If he indeed takes the field, all eyes will be on how Tom Flegler performs against his former teammates, particularly in the absence of Payne Haas. The Tully native, known as “The Tank,” has been averaging 111 meters per game. Despite his reduced playing time last week, this figure surpasses his performance during his time at Brisbane last year. Flegler’s performance against his old club will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.
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. Meanwhile, Katoa has undergone a significant transformation from the player we saw in 2023. Leading the Dolphins to their inaugural victory against the Broncos could serve as a compelling statement, likely grabbing the attention of many observers. While I lean towards the Broncos, I anticipate a closely contested match.
In late mail I believe Jordan Riki rolled an ankle at training and is doubtful to start.
AND, Tom Flegler has been ruled out, having not been able to recover in time from a shoulder injury he sustained last week. Uncapped forward Lachlan Hubner has been called into the Dolphins’ side and will make his NRL debut
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