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The Dolphins take on the Broncos at Suncorp on Saturday evening, where a win would put the Phins above the Broncos and cement a top 8 play‑off spot. Nobody will want to play the Dolphins in the Play offs. A loss on Saturday night could cause them to fall out of the 8, if the Roosters beat the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium.
The Dolphins will need to dust themselves down after the hiding at home against the Roosters last week, that followed the late try heroics of the previous week at the Warriors. Major injuries in the Broncos camp (Adam Reynolds, Selwyn Cobo and Ezra Mam are all out for several weeks) will give cause for Phins optimism.
Brisbane’s reshuffle sees Ben Hunt named at halfback and Billy Walters shifting into five-eighth. Cory Paix will start at hooker, with Tyson Smoothy providing support from the bench. These changes come under the guidance of coach Michael Maguire as the Broncos aim to maintain their finals momentum despite losing to the Storm 22–2 in
On the other side, Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has made fewer changes. Francis Molo is out through suspension, with veteran Mark Nicholls taking his place in the front row. Kenny Bromwich returns to the interchange. The rest of the squad remains stable, with fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, winger Jamayne Isaako, and centre Jake Averillo continuing to drive the team’s attacking push.
The Dolphins currently sit on the edge of the top eight. With games against the Titans (31 August) and ladder-leaders the Raiders (Round 27) still to come, the outcome of Saturday’s clash could heavily influence their post-season path. The Broncos sit above them on the ladder but have looked vulnerable without key playmakers, especially in their most recent loss.
DOLPHINS FIXTURES
| Broncos | Away | Aug 16 |
| Sea Eagles | Away | Aug 23 |
| Titans | Home | Aug 31 |
| Raiders | Home | Sept 7 |
While this will be only the third official NRL meeting between the clubs, the local rivalry has intensified quickly. The Broncos took the points in their previous 2025 clash earlier in the season, but with several fresh faces in key positions, this week’s version of Brisbane shapes up very differently.
Key positional matchups to watch include Hunt versus Dolphins young gun Isaiya Katoa in the halves, and the battle of the fullbacks between Tabuai-Fidow and Tristan Sailor. In the forwards, the experience of Jesse Bromwich and the punch of Tom Flegler through the middle will be critical.
Suncorp Stadium is expected to draw another strong crowd for this Battle of Brisbane rematch. For the Dolphins, the stakes couldn’t be clearer: win, and they surge into finals position with confidence. Lose, and the road to September becomes far more precarious.
With both clubs under pressure to deliver and fan bases hungry for bragging rights, Saturday night promises physicality, urgency, and more than a few turning points. Whichever side manages the reshuffle better and holds firm through the middle should come out on top.
Kick‑off is set for 5:30 pm AEST on Saturday 16 August at Suncorp Stadium.
Published 14-Aug-2025
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