The decider brings two of the competition’s form sides to one of Queensland’s most passionate rugby league venues, with the 10,000-capacity stadium expected to draw a strong crowd from across the Redcliffe Peninsula and the broader Moreton Bay region. Kayo Stadium has been a regular host of Queensland Cup grand finals and major pathway fixtures, and Saturday’s final continues that tradition.
The Blackhawks earned their place in the decider with a hard-fought 20-18 win over the Redcliffe Dolphins at the same venue in the week prior, a result that stung the home side but showed the quality of the competition at this level.
Redcliffe pushed hard throughout, with Adam McSherry crossing for a try and landing all three of his conversions to keep the Dolphins in contention, but Townsville’s Archie Mesritz delivered a double and Taj Lateo sealed the win with a late try from five-eighth that proved the difference.
A stadium that knows how to deliver a grand final
Kayo Stadium, formally known as Dolphin Oval when it first opened in 1979, has hosted Queensland Cup grand finals in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2019, 2021 and 2022, as well as NRL games and NRLW matches in recent seasons. Significant upgrades between 2016 and 2020 brought the venue to NRL standard, with new grandstands on the western, eastern and northern ends lifting total capacity to approximately 10,000.
Broadcast-quality light towers installed in 2023 now make the stadium one of the most capable boutique rugby league venues in Australia, able to host night games, carnivals and major events to the same standard as metropolitan venues.
Saturday’s 2.05pm kickoff puts the final in the early afternoon window, giving families and footy fans across the Moreton Bay region a clear run to the ground after a morning at the beach.
What brought the two sides to this point
Wynnum Manly claimed their semi-final berth with a hard-fought 22-14 win over the Tweed Seagulls. Winger Bond Bradley spearheaded the attack with a clinical hat-trick for the Bayside outfit. Harrison Bath crossed for another, while Payton Gifford and Bailen Noy shared the goal-kicking duties, slotting three conversions between them to secure the result.
Townsville’s path was tighter. The Blackhawks beat Redcliffe 20-18 in the elimination semi, with Mesritz’ double and tries to Ashyr Kelso, Reweti Ngarimu and Lateo enough to hold off a Dolphins side that competed fiercely at home. The narrow margin underlines how closely matched the competition has been across the season and sets up a grand final that could go either way.
How to watch
Saturday’s Mal Meninga Cup grand final kicks off at 2.05pm at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe, on 9 May 2026. Full grand final action streams live on Qplus, presented by National Storage, at qplus.tv.
Redcliffe did the damage early — and then closed it out when it mattered.
In Round 7 of the 2026 QRL Hostplus Cup at Premiers’ Park, the Dolphins rode a sharp opening burst and composed finish to defeat the Norths Devils 22–10 in a contest that stayed alive far longer than the scoreline suggests.
This quickly became an arm-wrestle after the opening exchanges — shaped by momentum swings, discipline, and a handful of key moments.
Early blitz sets the tone
The Dolphins came out of the blocks with intent, dominating the engine room and cashing in quickly.
Jack Bostock opened the scoring in the 6th minute, with Joshua James converting to make it 6–0. Bostock struck again at the 18-minute mark, and although the conversion was missed, Redcliffe had early control.
Moments later, Mason Lome-Hindle crossed to extend the lead to 14–0, capping a three-try opening that forced Norths out of their structure and into chase mode.
This early blitz forced the Devils into a desperate search for a response before the oranges, as the Dolphins’ clinical execution in the red zone threatened to turn the match into a first-half blowout.
Devils hit back before the break
To their credit, the Devils steadied.
Zakaria Taibi’s try in the 33rd minute broke the Dolphins’ momentum, and Brandon Finnegan’s conversion cut the margin to 14–6 heading into halftime — a crucial shift that kept the contest alive.
By hitting the chalk just minutes before the break, he broke the Dolphins’ scoring momentum and proved the Redcliffe line could be breached, shifting the energy from a potential rout to a genuine contest.
Sin bins spark the turning point
The game’s most volatile stretch came early in the second half, when discipline faltered on both sides.
Jordan Plath (48’) and James Flack (50’) were both sent to the sin bin, opening the field and injecting chaos into the contest.
The Devils took advantage.
Brody Tamarua crashed over in the 58th minute to bring it back to 14–10, putting genuine pressure on Redcliffe and shifting momentum squarely toward the home side.
But the moment that lingered came seconds later, when a missed conversion by Finnegan left the Devils four points adrift.
Dolphins close the gate
That miss proved costly.
Domenico De Stradis crossed in the 65th minute, and with Joshua James converting, the Dolphins pushed the margin back out to 20–10 — a decisive swing just as the Devils had threatened to take control.
James then iced the result with a penalty goal in the 72nd minute, stretching the lead to 22–10 and effectively shutting the door.
His successful kick pushed the margin to 10-22, effectively “closing the gate” by making it a two-converted-try game with only eight minutes to play.
From there, Redcliffe’s defensive structure held firm through the final exchanges.
The cost of small moments
For the Devils, the fight was undeniable — but so was the cost of small moments.
The Devils’ missed conversion at the 59th minute was the match’s tactical sliding-doors moment; it kept the margin at four points instead of two, stripping the Devils of the option to play for a draw and forcing them into high-risk errors late in the piece.
For the Dolphins, it was a performance built on timing and control — strike early, absorb pressure, then finish with authority.
It’s here! The Dolphins kick off their 2026 NRL season campaign hosting the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, hoping to get off the starting blocks with a win. The Redcliffe Dolphins QRL team also begin their Hostplus Cup campaign this weekend at Kayo Stadium against the Burleigh Bears.
An opening weekend double header at two separate venues.
Redcliffe Ready: Dolphins Open 2026 with Heavyweight Round One NRL Clash
There is no easing into 2026.
The Dolphins open their season on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium against a South Sydney side loaded with star power but arriving with question marks after a disrupted pre-season.
Tom Flegler and Tom Gilbert return to the starting pack; Selwyn Cobbo makes his club debut; and Redcliffe gets an immediate read on whether this roster is ready to turn two near-misses into a genuine top-eight push.
For Redcliffe, this is not just round one — it is a genuine early test of whether this squad is ready to convert potential into finals football.
Kick-off is at 1:05pm on Sunday, March 8.
Forward Pack Reinforced
The biggest substance in this team list sits up front.
Flegler returns at prop after nearly two years sidelined by a serious shoulder injury. His presence changes the tone of the middle immediately. Alongside him, Gilbert is named to start at prop in his first NRL appearance since Round 11 last season and will captain the side in his comeback game.
Morgan Knowles starts at lock in his first match for the club, adding further steel to a forward rotation that includes Connelly Lemuelu and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in the back row.
At hooker, reigning 2025 Forward of the Year and Most Consistent Player Kurt Donoghoe gets the nod, with Bradley Schneider, Oryn Keeley, Felise Kaufusi and Trai Fuller on the bench.
After falling agonisingly short of the top eight in each of the past two seasons, this is the strongest middle Redcliffe has taken into a Round One game.
Strike Power Out Wide
If the pack lays the platform, the backline has the capacity to finish.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow remains at fullback, despite off-season speculation about a positional switch. Coach Kristian Woolf confirmed he would stay at the back, with Trai Fuller named on the bench.
Selwyn Cobbo lines up on the wing for his club debut, opposite Jamayne Isaako. Jake Averillo and Herbie Farnworth combine again in the centres, while Isaiya Katoa partners Kodi Nikorima in the halves.
The Dolphins finished 2025 as the number one attacking team in the NRL. Tabuai-Fidow has scored 16 tries in his past 10 games at Suncorp Stadium. Those numbers are not theoretical — they reflect how quickly this side can turn pressure into points.
Rabbitohs Bring Firepower — and Questions
On paper, South Sydney arrive with serious class.
Latrell Mitchell starts in the centres, Cody Walker at five-eighth and captain Cameron Murray at lock. David Fifita will make his club debut in the second row after a strong pre-season, while Alex Johnston returns fit and sits just two tries short of equalling Ken Irvine’s all-time premiership try-scoring record.
But the Rabbitohs’ preparation has not been smooth.
Hooker Brandon Smith has undergone scans on a calf injury that could sideline him for an extended period, adding to a growing injury list. Halfback Jamie Humphreys is suspended for the opening two rounds, while Jonah Glover was ruled out after breaking his jaw in the Charity Shield. Jayden Sullivan has been working back from surgery to treat an infection and remains a watch heading into the weekend.
That has placed pressure on the halves combination. Ashton Ward has been named at No.7 alongside Walker, stepping into a key organisational role in just his seventh NRL appearance. Wayne Bennett has been forced to manage significant reshuffling during the pre-season and may yet need further adjustments if availability shifts again.
In the forwards, Jai Arrow remains sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder issue. Sean Keppie and Bronson Garlick both failed head injury assessments in a pre-season fixture but are expected to be available following the required concussion protocols.
The result is a Rabbitohs side that has quality across the park but enters round one with moving parts. South Sydney enter Round One after a disrupted pre-season due to injuries and suspensions.
For Redcliffe, that matters.
What It All Means for Redcliffe
The Dolphins have won four of their past six games at Suncorp. South Sydney managed just three wins from 12 away matches in 2025.
Both clubs have spoken openly about top-eight ambitions in 2026. Both have strengthened key areas. But round one is about execution, not projection.
With Flegler and Gilbert back in the engine room, Cobbo bringing fresh edge speed and Katoa now firmly established as the club’s on-field organiser, this is the most balanced Dolphins side Redcliffe has taken into a season opener.
The peninsula has watched this build year by year — from expansion curiosity to genuine contender. Expectations are no longer about competitiveness. They are about progression.
A fast, physical start at Suncorp would not just open the season. It would tell Redcliffe that 2026 is the year the Dolphins move from chasing the eight to belonging in it.
Dolphins v Rabbitohs Sunday, March 8 1:05pm Suncorp Stadium Broadcast on Nine Network, Nine Now, Kayo and Foxtel
Published 4-March-2026
Also happening this weekend at Kayo Stadium…
Redcliffe Dolphins Begin QRL 2026 with September in the Rearview — and Burleigh Bears in the Crosshairs
The QRL Hostplus Cup season opens for the Redcliffe Dolphins exactly where last year ended — against the Burleigh Bears.
An 18–16 preliminary final defeat at UAA Park last September left Redcliffe one step short of a grand final. Not outplayed. Not overwhelmed. Just edged in a contest decided by fine margins.
Now 2026 begins at Kayo Stadium with the same opponent across the line.
The memory is fresh. The response comes first.
Head-to-Head: Margins Define It
Across 22 meetings between the Dolphins and Bears, Redcliffe hold a narrow historical edge:
• 12 wins • 9 losses • 1 draw
Recent clashes underline how little separates the sides.
The most recent meeting — that 18–16 preliminary final — was decided late. Earlier in the 2025 regular season, Burleigh recorded a 30–12 result. These contests are shaped by discipline and execution rather than dominance.
Fortress Kayo
Venue numbers strengthen Redcliffe’s position heading into Round One.
At Kayo Stadium, the Dolphins win 66% of their matches — 79 victories from 120 appearances.
Burleigh’s record at the venue sits at 38% (5 wins from 13 games).
Nearly half of Redcliffe’s 2026 QRL regular season — 11 of 23 matches — will again be played on the peninsula. Early home conversion plays a major role in ladder stability across the 12-team competition.
Round One begins where Redcliffe are statistically strongest.
What Last Season Proved
The Dolphins finished sixth in the 2025 regular season before pushing deep into the finals and falling just two points short of a grand final appearance.
That run confirmed Redcliffe as one of the competition’s most consistent sides. Their late-season form and defensive resilience carried them through the finals and within a single score of the decider.
Rather than rebuilding in 2026, the Dolphins begin the new campaign looking to build directly on that momentum.
Program Strength vs Program Strength
Overall win rates underline how competitive both clubs have been historically:
Declan Dowson anchors the back at fullback. Steven Numbo and Jude Saldanha provide width, with Montel Lisala and Michael McGrath completing the backline. Karl Oloapu and Joshua James combine in the halves.
Through the middle, Jack Johnson, Jordan Plath and Riley Price headline the forward pack alongside Domenico De Stradis, Sam Elliott and lock Sheldon Pitama.
The interchange — Max Plath, Mali Le Pou, Patrice Siolo and Elijah Rasmussen — adds forward depth and defensive stability.
This is not a side searching for combinations. It is a team beginning the season with cohesion already established.
The Moment
Redcliffe do not open 2026 chasing credibility. They open defending momentum.
They hold the historical edge. They dominate at Kayo Stadium. Burleigh hold the most recent victory.
Two points separated them in September.
Now the Redcliffe Dolphins begin their QRL campaign with the chance to answer it — immediately.
Redcliffe Dolphins v Burleigh Bears Round 1 — QRL Hostplus Cup 2026 Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe Date: Sunday, March 8 Kick-off:1:10pm AEST Competition: Hostplus Cup (QRL)
In a heartwarming twist for local rugby league fans, Redcliffe-born Tom Opacic has returned to the Dolphins’ training ground, sparking excitement about a possible homecoming for the talented centre.
The Dolphins’ social media channels buzzed with excitement as they shared images of the 30-year-old participating in training sessions. For many long-time supporters, this marks a full-circle moment as Opacic returns to the club where his rugby league journey began.
Opacic’s professional career has taken him across multiple prestigious clubs since his NRL debut with the Brisbane Broncos in 2016. After three seasons with the Broncos, he moved to the North Queensland Cowboys in 2019 and then joined the Parramatta Eels in 2021. Most recently, he transitioned to England’s Super League with Hull Kingston Rovers in 2023.
Despite signing a contract extension that would have kept him at Hull KR until the end of 2025, Opacic departed the English club at the conclusion of the 2024 season. His exit opened opportunities for both parties, with Hull KR securing Rhyse Martin as his replacement.
Future prospects
While no official signing has been announced, Opacic’s presence at training suggests potential involvement with the Redcliffe Dolphins in the 2025 Queensland Cup season. As the feeder club for the Dolphins NRL outfit, this arrangement could also serve as a pathway back to the top flight, particularly with one position remaining in the NRL squad’s top 30.
However, competition for spots remains fierce, especially in the centres where the NRL side boasts the formidable pairing of Jake Averillo and Herbie Farnworth. Nevertheless, Opacic’s experience across multiple professional environments could prove valuable for both the Queensland Cup side and as depth for the NRL squad.
For the Redcliffe faithful, Opacic’s return is more than just a professional move; it’s a celebration of a local hero coming full circle, promising an exciting future for the club and its fans alike.
As the Redcliffe Dolphins prepare for the 2024 Hostplus Cup grand final against the Norths Devils, it’s shaping up to be a battle between history and recent dominance. Dolphins vs Devils kick off 5:30 p.m. at Kayo Stadium.
The Dolphins, under the guidance of coach Ben Te’o, are eyeing their seventh Cup premiership in what will be their 14th grand final appearance. Standing in their way are the formidable Norths Devils, led by Dave Elliott, who are vying for their fourth Cup title in five tries.
Latrell Siegwalt’s rise has fuelled the Dolphins’ momentum, earning him individual accolades and boosting the team’s championship hopes.
Alongside Siegwalt, captain Max Bailey and key forward Josh Kerr are vital to Redcliffe’s ambitions. Their performances will be crucial in clinching the club’s first title since 2018.
Dolphins vs Devils
The Dolphins have the historical edge with 34 wins to Norths’ 19, but the Devils have excelled in finals matchups, holding a slight advantage with three wins to Redcliffe’s two. One of those losses came in the 2022 grand final, where Norths defended their premiership, denying Redcliffe their first title since 2018.
Earlier in this final series, Norths again beat Redcliffe in the elimination final, forcing the Dolphins to secure an extra win to reach this grand final showdown.
Despite recent setbacks against the Devils, the Dolphins will have the distinct advantage of playing the grand final on their home turf at Kayo Stadium, where they’ve claimed six premierships.
XXXX Queensland City versus Country
The grand final day will also feature XXXX Queensland City versus Country matches in both women’s and men’s categories, highlighting the strong connection between community rugby league and statewide competitions.
As the Dolphins prepare for this crucial game, fans are eagerly anticipating a display of skill, determination, and passion that could lead to a historic seventh Cup premiership for their beloved team. Will the Dolphins extend their record with a seventh title, or will Norths narrow the gap with a fourth Cup?
In a thrilling Dolphins vs Pride preliminary final showdown, Redcliffe has booked their place in the 2024 Hostplus Cup grand final with a nail-biting victory over the minor up at Cairns. Halfback Joshua James sealed the win with a clutch field goal in golden point, sending Dolphins fans into jubilation.
Early momentum for the Dolphins; second-half drama
The Dolphins struck early when dynamic fullback Trai Fuller powered through to score in the fifth minute. Northern Pride responded with a try from Evan Child, but a spectacular effort from centre Valynce Te Whare put Redcliffe ahead 10-6 at halftime.
The contest intensified after the break. Northern Pride levelled the scores and briefly took the lead, but the Dolphins fought back when Josh Kerr crashed over the line late in the game. Pride’s Will Partridge answered with a crucial try of his own, setting the stage for a thrilling golden point showdown.
In the extra period, Joshua James showed nerves of steel, slotting the winning field goal against the wind. This clutch play not only secured the Dolphins’ spot in the grand final but also ended Pride’s impressive home record.
Injury concerns loom large
Despite the thrilling win, the Dolphins have injury concerns heading into the grand final. Both Jarrett Boland and Trai Fuller left the field with injuries, and their availability for the decider against long-time rivals Norths Devils remains uncertain.
Northern Pride coach Eric Smith, in his final game with the club, acknowledged the Dolphins’ performance and reflected on his team’s successful season despite the disappointing end.
Smith will take over as Redcliffe’s head coach next season, replacing Ben Te’o, who will return to the Brisbane Broncos after the grand final.
Published 16-September-2024
This pre-match article was published on 09-September-2024.
Dolphins vs Pride: Redcliffe Challenge Top-Seed for Chance at the Big Dance
The Redcliffe Dolphins are set to challenge the top-seeded Northern Pride for a spot in the Hostplus Cup grand final this Saturday, 14 September. Dolphins vs Pride kick off 2:10 p.m. at Barlow Park.
The Dolphins enter the clash with momentum, having secured a convincing 36-18 victory in their match against the Central Queensland Capras. This victory was particularly sweet, as the Dolphins had lost both of their home-and-awayn matchups against the Capras.
The team started strong, building a 24-point lead early in the game on the back of prop Josh Kerr, who crossed for two early tries. Young Tommy Casey, making his season debut, stepped up admirably at five-eighth, contributing to the team’s strong start.
Dolphins vs Pride
The third-seeded Dolphins (14-6 in the home-and-away ladder) will travel to Cairns to face the formidable Northern Pride, who finished the regular season with an impressive 17-3 record.
Despite the Pride’s dominance, the Dolphins have proven they can compete, having defeated the Pride 30-22 in their Round 5 encounter at Kayo Stadium.
Dolphins captain Max Bailey acknowledges the challenge ahead. “We got them once this year here at home, but it’s going to be a whole different game up there” Bailey states.
Bailey emphasises the importance of high completions and disciplined play against the Pride. The Dolphins will look to replicate their efficient performance from their previous matchup, where they capitalised on their chances despite trailing in possession and completion rate.
Bailey expresses the team’s readiness for the crucial match. “One more game until the big dance… we’re ready to go.”
As the Dolphins prepare for their journey to Cairns, fans are hopeful that the team can replicate their earlier success against the Pride and secure a spot in the grand final.
The Redcliffe Dolphins are gearing up for an elimination match against the Central Queensland Capras this Saturday, 7 September, following a setback away at Bishop Park. Dolphins vs Capras kick off 5:10 p.m. at Kayo Stadium.
Despite a strong season record, the third-placed Dolphins face a formidable challenge in the Capras, a team that has repeatedly troubled them this year.
However, this season has been different, with the Capras delivering two of the Dolphins’ seven losses, including a surprising 20-6 defeat at Kayo Stadium on 11 May and a more decisive 38-10 loss away on 27 July.
Dolphins skipper Max Bailey acknowledges the team’s struggles against the Norths Devils in the preliminary final, emphasising the need for improved discipline and ball control. “We’ve put ourselves in the position to get the second chance though and we need to use that now,” Bailey said.
The Dolphins are banking on their strong home record this season to see them through this elimination matchup. “We’ve been really good at home this year,” Bailey noted.
As Redcliffe prepares for this critical encounter, they are aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Bailey knows that to reach the grand final, the Dolphins will likely need to win away from home again after the Capras.
