2023 NRL Round 4: Broncos 18, Dolphins 12
The Brisbane Broncos have won the inaugural Battle of Brisbane, grinding out an intense 18-12 win over The Dolphins.
Result
Brisbane Broncos 18
Tries: Jesse Arthurs (23), Selwyn Cobbo (50), Kurt Capewell (70), Kotoni Staggs (79)
Goals: Adam Reynolds (71)
The Dolphins 12
Tries: Jarrod Wallace (57), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (63)
Goals: Jamayne Isaako (58, 65)
Field Goal:
Report
The Battle of Brisbane finally arrived after weeks of anticipation across South-East Queensland. 52,000 fans packed into Suncorp Stadium to see who would win bragging rights. A blow for the Dolphins saw Isaiah Katoa ruled out late, with Anthony Milford starting at five-eighth in his absence.
The first 20 minutes consisted of both sides trading sets back and forth. Neither side giving an inch in defence in an Origin like atmosphere. Eventually, the Broncos drew first blood. Jesse Arthurs finished off a sweeping backline move to grab a try. After the intensity wore off, both sides struggled with fatigue.
On the stroke of halftime, the Broncos repelled a last-ditch effort from Connelly Lemuelu and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. The Broncos keeping their four point lead intact at the break.
The Broncos started the second half strong when Reece Walsh threw a cut-out pass for Selwyn Cobbo to score. However, the Dolphins response was swift and convincing. After an error from Cobbo, Jarrod Wallace steamrolled his way into the in-goal to score, cutting the lead back to two points.
Riding a wave of possession, the Dolphins landed another blow. Anthony Milford grubbered in behind the defence and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow beat everyone to the ball to score a crucial try. However, it didn’t take long for the Broncos to get off the canvas. Adam Reynolds put Kurt Capewell through a gap and Capewell beat the cover defence to return serve, putting the Broncos back in front by two.
With the game in the balance, the deciding blow was landed by Kotoni Staggs, who scooped up a loose kick and raced the length of the field for a try. The Broncos getting home in an intense Battle of Brisbane.
In injury news, Sean O’Sullivan suffered a torn pectoral muscle which will see him sidelined for an extended period.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 – Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
2 – Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
1 – Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)
