The Broncos triumphed over the Dolphins with a score of 20-12 in a rain-soaked showdown at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, securing local bragging rights in Brisbane.
In a sold-out contest filled with spectacular plays and heavy hits, the Broncos managed to fend off all attempts from the Dolphins to take the win as the rain poured down.
Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki shone brightly with a try-double, further solidifying his case for a permanent position in the starting lineup.
“What an incredible start to the season for Shibasaki,” remarked Broncos legend and board member Darren Lockyer during the coverage on Nine.
As the Broncos tightened their grip on the match, centre Kotoni Staggs served notice to Dolphins fans at ‘The Cauldron’.
Following a determined try, Staggs pointed at the ground, a clear message asserting Suncorp Stadium as the Broncos’ domain.
Kotoni Staggs points to the Suncorp Stadium turf after scoring a try. NRL Imagery
Shibasaki claimed first try-scorer honours in the Brisbane rivalry after Ben Hunt orchestrated a clever play to shift the ball out to the left edge.
The match raced out of the blocks, with Brisbane quickly securing back-to-back tries as Cory Paix darted through the Dolphins’ defence for a straightforward five-pointer.
The Dolphins hit back in the 19th minute, with Max Plath crossing the line thanks to a clever pass from Felise Kaufusi.
The Broncos then stretched their lead further as Staggs threw a feint before plunging over for a try.
Just before the break, Jordan Riki found himself on report for a high tackle on Jack Bostock.
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Replays revealed that Bostock had been pushed into Riki’s shoulder as Adam Reynolds joined the tackle. Following the incident, the winger underwent a head injury assessment but returned to the field cleared.
At half-time, the Broncos were leading their crosstown rivals by 16-6.
Shibasaki added his second try after a backline play, repeating the pattern set in the first half.
Gehamat Shibasaki scores a try during the round four NRL match between the Dolphins and the Broncos. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
The Dolphins managed to respond with a try from Jake Averillo, although his exhilarating run was little more than a consolation.
Shibasaki was named player of the match, while Tom Gilbert also found himself on report in the second half.
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