Dolphins v Broncos: Katoa ready to shine; Duffy steps up
The Dolphins will continue their chase for a top-four finish when they take on the Broncos in the latest edition of the Battle for Brisbane.
Isaiya Katoa made a successful return from a wrist injury last week to steer the Dolphins past the Dragons and they are out to keep the momentum rolling against the Broncos on Saturday night.
The Dolphins have beaten Brisbane just once since their introduction to the competition in 2023 but they are after more than just bragging rights at Suncorp Stadium this weekend.
Kristian Woolf's men sit fifth and are chasing a top-four finish as they seek a maiden finals berth.
Brisbane's chances of qualifying for the finals were extinguished with a 24-point loss to the Knights last weekend but they still have plenty to play for.
The Broncos claimed a 26-12 victory when the two sides faced off earlier this season and Michael Maguire's men would like nothing more than toppling their local rivals.
A host of stars are also pushing for a World Cup berth later this season, with Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan among the Kangaroos contenders.
Match: Dolphins v Broncos
Round 23 -
home Team
Dolphins
5th Position
away Team
Broncos
16th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Dolphins: No further changes on game day after one change to the bench in the 24-hour update with Brian Pouniu elevated with Sebastian Su'a dropping out. Earlier, centre Jake Averillo was again listed among the reserves as he chases his first appearance since Round 19 having recovered from a rib injury. Winger Jamayne Isaako has scored nine tries in his last seven games at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos: One change to the six-man bench 90 minutes before kick-off, with Blake Mozer coming into the 19 and Hayze Perham dropping out. A new-look spine for Michael Maguire with Billy Walters back in the starting side at hooker at the expense of Cory Paix while Thomas Duffy takes over at halfback from Adam Reynolds (concussion). Xavier Willison has been named to play despite suffering a laceration to his leg in last week's loss to the Knights. He will line up at prop, with Va'a Semu dropping to the bench.
Match: Dolphins v Broncos
Round 23 -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowFullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Broncos is number 2 Josiah Karapani
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Jack BostockCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Broncos is number 4 Deine Mariner
-
Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Selwyn CobboWinger for Broncos is number 5 Grant Anderson
-
Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi NikorimaFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya KatoaHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Thomas Duffy
Forwards
-
Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Thomas FleglerProp for Broncos is number 8 Xavier Willison
-
Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
-
Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Francis MoloProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Jaiyden Hunt
-
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Morgan KnowlesLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Kurt DonoghoeInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Va'a Semu
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Max PlathInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Ben Talty
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Tom GilbertInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Gehamat Shibasaki
-
Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Felise KaufusiInterchange for Broncos is number 20 Blake Mozer
-
Reserve for Dolphins is number 19 Bradley SchneiderReserve for Broncos is number 14 Ben Hunt
-
Reserve for Dolphins is number 20 Brian PouniuReserve for Broncos is number 18 Jack Gosiewski
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dolphins have averaged 36 points per game in six consecutive wins at Suncorp.
- The Broncos have won their last three games against the Dolphins.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored nine tries in his last seven games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Utility Billy Walters will make his 100th appearance for the Broncos.
- Former Bronco Selwyn Cobbo has scored 10 tries in his last seven games for the Dolphins.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
It's all on the line when the Dolphins face the Broncos in the latest edition of the Battle of Brisbane. Tickets are selling fast, click here to secure your seats before they sell out.
