It’s been almost twelve months since the Dolphins effectively extinguished Brisbane’s fading 2024 NRL finals chances with a 40-6 thumping at Suncorp Stadium.
As the two Queensland sides prepare to face off in the sixth ‘Battle of Brisbane’, there’s even more at stake as the Redcliffe outfit again seeks to dent Brisbane’s finals chances, while also boosting its own—a task made even more urgent following the Roosters impressive victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night.
Speaking ahead of the critical match, Broncos coach Michael Maguire rejected suggestions that last week’s injury disaster against the Melbourne Storm—and the major spine reshuffle that has since followed—would provide any excuse for a sub-par performance against the Dolphins.
“Every club is going to through it (injuries), and it’s our turn,” Maguire said.
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“There’s no reason this group can’t keep going towards exactly what we’ve set out to do,” he continued.
“The boys have been through plenty to this point and we’ve had a few changes, but we’re really pleased with how this week’s rolled and how we’re going—we have to be ruthless.”
‘A big game for our players, it means a lot to them’
While acknowledging many of his Broncos squad are still burning from last season’s thrashing at the hands of the Dolphins, Maguire refused to be drawn into the ‘hatred’ narrative between the two south-east Queensland rivals.
“Those players were part of that game, I’m sure they’ll feel and carry that disappointment, so there’s no reason they won’t bottle that and use it (as motivation),” he said.
“Whenever you’re playing in a derby it’s always a special game, we’re going to get 45,000+ people, maybe even a sell-out, so it will be a big game for our players in front of their people, it means a lot to them.”
The Broncos and Dolphins have met five times since 2023, with the Broncos holding a 4-1 advantage.
The last clash came back in Round 4 with the Broncos prevailing 20-12.