In the inaugural “Battle of Brisbane” on March 24, 2023, the Brisbane Broncos secured an 18-12 victory over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams showcasing strong defensive efforts and dynamic play.
The Broncos opened the scoring with a try from winger Jesse Arthars, following a well-executed play involving Kurt Capewell, Reece Walsh, and Herbie Farnworth. The Dolphins responded with a try from prop Jarrod Wallace, who powered over from close range. As the game progressed, the Dolphins took a 12-8 lead with a try from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, set up by a perfectly weighted grubber from veteran playmaker Anthony Milford.
With the match nearing its conclusion, Broncos captain Adam Reynolds produced a show-and-go to send Capewell on a 40-meter charge to the line, leveling the score at 12-12. Then, in the final minute, Kotoni Staggs intercepted a grubber from Milford on his own try line and sprinted the length of the field to score, sealing the win for the Broncos.
This victory was particularly significant for Staggs, a former Redcliffe Dolphins player, who expressed his respect for the club and its role in his early career. Despite his history with the Dolphins, Staggs was determined to secure the win for the Broncos, emphasizing the importance of the match for his current team.
The game was attended by a crowd of 51,047 spectators, marking the largest attendance for a standalone club game at Suncorp Stadium. The match was celebrated for its high-quality contest, featuring bone-rattling defense, long-range tries, and courageous efforts to defy injury.
For a visual recap of Kotoni Staggs’ decisive try, you can watch the following video:
