5:30 pm SATURDAY 31st August 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE
Top-Eight Hopes on the Line in Brisbane Derby
Top-eight hopes will be on the line in the fourth instalment of the Brisbane derby between the Dolphins and Broncos.
Both teams are tied on 26 points, just two points behind the eighth-placed Dragons, in a four-way race for the final spot in the NRL post-season.
Current Standings and Team Advantages
The Broncos currently hold the advantage due to their superior points differential, sitting in ninth place ahead of the Dolphins, Knights, and Raiders, all of whom are also on 26 points.
Injury Updates and Key Players
Star prop Payne Haas is named among the reserves as he aims to return from a lisfranc injury sustained in Round 22 against the Titans. With Kobe Hetherington sidelined due to concussion protocols, Ben Te Kura is added to the bench for his first NRL game since Round 5, having been the 18th man twice in recent weeks.
Broncos
1. Tristan Sailor 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars, 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison , 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Blake Mozer 15. Benjamin Te Kura , 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau , 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Corey Oates, 21. Cory Paix , 22. Payne Haas
Season Implications
Given the tight nature of the competition, Saturday’s derby will essentially determine the end of the season for the losing team.
Brisbane has steadied their form in recent weeks, keeping their playoff hopes alive with a commanding 30-24 win over the Eels last Friday.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jack Bostock 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Kenny Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone, 14. Mason Teague 15. Oryn Keeley , 16. Tesi Niu 17. Kurt Donoghoe ,18. Lachlan Hubner 19. Tevita Pangai Junior 20. Trai Fuller, 21. Anthony Milford 22. Jeremy Marshall-King
Referee. Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Jarrod Cole, Michael Wise ,Bunker, Ashley Klein
Recent Form and Key Stats
The Dolphins have struggled with form over the past few months, winning only three of their last 12 games.
This downturn in performance has coincided with the absence of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, who has been sidelined for the past seven matches due to a foot injury.
The Dolphins are hopeful for his return this weekend, which would be a significant boost to their finals chances.
Five-eighth Sean O’Sullivan and prop Mark Nicholls join the starting side with Kodi Nikorima and Jesse Bromwich both entering the concussion protocols.
Mason Teague and Kurt Donoghue are the new additions to the bench. Tevita Pangai Junior (hamstring) and Jeremy Marshall-King (foot) are listed among the reserves as they aim to return from injury.
For the Broncos, all eyes will be on Payne Haas as he aims to return from a Lisfranc injury.
Key Player Stats
The Dolphins have conceded 150 points in their last four games.
Broncos center Kotoni Staggs has scored six tries in his past six games.
The Dolphins have won only four of nine games at Suncorp Stadium this season.
Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo has scored six tries in three games against the Dolphins.
Dolphins center Jake Averillo will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Prediction
The Dolphins have been in poor form recently, losing seven of their last nine games, including a heavy defeat to the Storm last week. The Broncos found a bit of hope in their win over the Eels last week with Adam Reynolds leading the way.
These two teams are both on 26 points, one win out of the Top 8, with the Broncos holding a 25-point advantage in their differentials. Which team will keep their finals hopes alive and which team will see their season come to an end? Me, I will go with the Broncos in a tight finish.
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