BREAKING: Key players from the Broncos dominate the Dolphins, with a standout star getting injured

The Battle of Brisbane is consistently challenging. Our performance significantly improved in the latter part of the game once we addressed our discipline issues.”

A full-capacity crowd of 46,224 spectators witnessed the event at Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland representative Tabuai-Fidow was forced to leave the field in the 21st minute while pursuing winger Corey Oates, and playmaker Kodi Nikorima ended up on the sidelines receiving treatment for a calf injury.

The Dolphins had already experienced setbacks as three of their key players – forwards Felise Kaufusi (hamstring) and Thomas Flegler (shoulder), along with centre Herbie Farnworth (shoulder) – were sidelined due to injuries.

Tabuai-Fidow’s exit deprived the Dolphins of their primary offensive threat in the third Battle of Brisbane, all of which have been claimed by the Broncos.

“Hammer (Tabuai-Fidow) mentioned he hasn’t dealt with a hamstring injury for a while, but the situation doesn’t look good. He might be sidelined for three or four weeks,” noted Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett.

“We struggled in terms of completing plays, and we were aware of their proficiency in scoring from kick plays. We understood the risks involved but unfortunately, we became a bit disorganized.

“I was pleased with the team’s effort. We could have given up and allowed them to dominate us by a larger margin.”

Nikorima transitioned to the fullback position while reserve player Anthony Milford stepped into the halves, but the Dolphins struggled to maintain coordination once they lost their dynamic fullback.

The standout performer in the first half was the imposing 21-year-old prop Xavier Willison, who scored a try by overpowering Nikorima and made his presence known with several forceful runs.

Dolphins prop Jarrod Wallace, who returned from the bench, scored the first try of the game off a Isaiya Katoa kick after the ball was mishandled by winger Oates.

The Broncos responded as Willison crashed over Nikorima near the try line.

Despite his return from a three-week absence due to a facial fracture, Walsh displayed glimpses of danger but occasionally struggled with his timing.

Just before halftime, Broncos second-rower Jaiyden Hunt dropped the ball as he attempted to score, but after the break, it was Oates who crossed the try line first after a superb wide pass from No.6 Ezra Mam.

With this try, Oates reached a total of 120 tries for the Broncos, placing him at their third-highest try scorer alongside fellow winger Michael Hancock.

Dolphins center Tesi Niu lost possession from an attacking kick, leading to Walsh seizing the opportunity, while Cobbo capitalized on additional errors made by Nikorima and Milford to secure the victory decisively.

Later in the game, Dolphins wingers Jack Bostock and Jamayne Isaako managed to score tries.