Latest news with #BattleofBrisbane
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
‘Special' Reece Walsh inspires Broncos to thrilling win over Dolphins
Reece Walsh has stood up in Brisbane's moment of need to fire a stunning second-half comeback in a 38-28 win that sent the Dolphins out of the top eight. When the Dolphins led 28-14 in the 50th minute at Suncorp Stadium the Broncos were ninth on the live ladder. They finished Saturday in sixth, with the Dolphins dropping to ninth. Walsh landed a 40/20 to turn the game in his best performance of the year, and possibly career, to win the 'Battle Medal' as player of the match. With captain Adam Reynolds and his halves partner Ezra Mam out injured, Walsh took it upon himself to be the creative force. 'Tonight, he really got the balance right,' Broncos captain Pat Carrigan said of Walsh. 'He's done some really special things but at the end of the day, we just need Reece Walsh to be Reece Walsh. He was massive for us.' The 23-year-old marshalled all the genius in his skillset to inspire the comeback. Veteran half Ben Hunt stood up with three try assists in the second half as 'Battle of Brisbane' specialist Kotoni Staggs scored a double in another blockbusting display. Both teams were without key personnel but had plenty of men stand up. Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller, recalled for his first NRL game of the season, scored a 75m individual try for the ages in the opening set after halftime. The scores were locked at 14-all when the pocket rocket brushed through Pat Carrigan and Jordan Riki in a blistering run. 'Trai was brave. That inspires the other players,' Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said. 'They love the way he returns the ball and the way he just commits his body so much and brings so much energy. His first game back in NRL I thought he was outstanding.' Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King darted over from dummy-half for a 28-14 lead, but the Broncos weren't done. Walsh, who had kicked the ball out on the full from a restart moments earlier, then landed the crucial 40/20. 'That 40/20 changed the game,' Dolphins captain Isaiya Katoa said. Brisbane winger Deine Mariner scored from the next set thanks to a masterful Hunt pass and it was game on. There was better to come when Walsh started another raid on the last tackle. Five-eighth Billy Walters sent an immaculate cross-field kick for winger Josiah Karapani to finish a sensational team try. Hunt conjured a slick grubber for prop Ben Talty to dive on and the Broncos incredibly had a 32-28 lead. In the first half, Walsh set up a try for Staggs and started and finished a 55m attacking raid in cahoots with centre Gehamat Shibasaki. The Dolphins had six of their first-choice pack out due to injury or suspension but second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and bench prop Josh Kerr provided impetus. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, switched to the centres, had several electric moments and a classic battle with Staggs. The man known as 'Hammer' ran a lovely line after Katoa double-pumped and threw him a classic out-ball. The Dolphins did well with limited opportunities and centre Jake Averillo burnt opposite number Shibasaki for a first-half try. Brisbane second-rower Jack Gosiewski was ruled out of the match with an AC joint injury in the 12th minute. The home crowd of 44, 350 were treated to the most enthralling derby of the six played so far.
The Advertiser
12-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Storm lose Papenhuyzen, Sharks bitten by centre blow
Melbourne's hopes of putting a hammer blow in Penrith's top-four aspirations have received a blow with star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen ruled out of the 2024 grand-final rematch with concussion. Papenhuyzen, who played a full 80 minutes against Brisbane last week, joins half Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) on the sidelines for Thursday night's clash at CommBank Stadium. Coach Craig Bellamy has switched Nick Meaney to fullback and brought Marion Seve into the centres for his first NRL match since round four. The Panthers, in search of their 10th consecutive win, will be without co-captain Isaah Yeo for another week after he sustained a shoulder injury in the round-22 clash with Gold Coast. Rampaging prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named on the extended bench for the Storm after playing in the Queensland Cup last week following a two-week suspension. Cronulla's finals aspirations have taken a hit with news on Tuesday star centre Jesse Ramien will miss the rest of the regular season with a broken thumb. Barnstorming back-rower Briton Nikora is also out of action until the finals due to suspension. They will be replaced by Mawene Hiroti and Billy Burns respectively in the starting side for Saturday afternoon's showdown at Shark Park against Gold Coast. The Titans welcome back captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui from a knee injury and fellow Queensland prop Moaeki Fotuaika from illness. Saturday night's 'Battle of Brisbane' at Suncorp Stadium is set to have major ramifications for the top eight when Brisbane host the Dolphins. The Broncos have a new halves pairing with Billy Walters and Ben Hunt replacing the injured Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds. Cory Paix gets a recall at hooker, as does Josiah Karapani on the wing. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has recalled veteran Kenny Bromwich on the interchange bench while prop Frank Molo serves a one-match suspension. Manly have kept Tom Trbojevic at fullback as their finals hopes go on the line at Allianz Stadium against Wests Tigers on Sunday. Former No.1 Lehi Hopoate returns from injury on the wing to replace Tommy Talau who reverts to the bench. The Sea Eagles will be without inspirational lock Jake Trbojevic (concussion). The Tigers, who are still a mathematical chance of playing finals, are fresh from a bye and will slot Starford To'a back in to replace Brent Naden from the previous week's win over the Bulldogs. The Sydney Roosters, in ninth and needing to keep their finals chances in play when they host Canterbury on Friday night, have made one change from the side that thrashed the Dolphins 64-12. Siua Wong (concussion) is out, so Victor Radley moves up to the starting side at his favourite lock position and young gun Blake Steep comes onto the bench. The Bulldogs are unchanged but regular fullback Connor Tracey will be given every chance to prove his fitness after being named to return from an abdominal injury on the extended bench. The fifth-placed Warriors have received a boost as they attempt to halt a three-game losing streak with hooker Wade Egan back from a shoulder injury for Friday night's home fixture against St George Illawarra. The Dragons lose centre Moses Suli (knee) but get Mathew Feagai (groin) back. North Queensland get veteran prop Jordan McLean (calf) back for Sunday's match-up with Newcastle in Townsville in a straight swap for suspended prop Coen Hess. South Sydney have made one change with forward Lachlan Hubner (concussion) out and Shaquai Mitchell in to play an unchanged Parramatta at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. Melbourne's hopes of putting a hammer blow in Penrith's top-four aspirations have received a blow with star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen ruled out of the 2024 grand-final rematch with concussion. Papenhuyzen, who played a full 80 minutes against Brisbane last week, joins half Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) on the sidelines for Thursday night's clash at CommBank Stadium. Coach Craig Bellamy has switched Nick Meaney to fullback and brought Marion Seve into the centres for his first NRL match since round four. The Panthers, in search of their 10th consecutive win, will be without co-captain Isaah Yeo for another week after he sustained a shoulder injury in the round-22 clash with Gold Coast. Rampaging prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named on the extended bench for the Storm after playing in the Queensland Cup last week following a two-week suspension. Cronulla's finals aspirations have taken a hit with news on Tuesday star centre Jesse Ramien will miss the rest of the regular season with a broken thumb. Barnstorming back-rower Briton Nikora is also out of action until the finals due to suspension. They will be replaced by Mawene Hiroti and Billy Burns respectively in the starting side for Saturday afternoon's showdown at Shark Park against Gold Coast. The Titans welcome back captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui from a knee injury and fellow Queensland prop Moaeki Fotuaika from illness. Saturday night's 'Battle of Brisbane' at Suncorp Stadium is set to have major ramifications for the top eight when Brisbane host the Dolphins. The Broncos have a new halves pairing with Billy Walters and Ben Hunt replacing the injured Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds. Cory Paix gets a recall at hooker, as does Josiah Karapani on the wing. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has recalled veteran Kenny Bromwich on the interchange bench while prop Frank Molo serves a one-match suspension. Manly have kept Tom Trbojevic at fullback as their finals hopes go on the line at Allianz Stadium against Wests Tigers on Sunday. Former No.1 Lehi Hopoate returns from injury on the wing to replace Tommy Talau who reverts to the bench. The Sea Eagles will be without inspirational lock Jake Trbojevic (concussion). The Tigers, who are still a mathematical chance of playing finals, are fresh from a bye and will slot Starford To'a back in to replace Brent Naden from the previous week's win over the Bulldogs. The Sydney Roosters, in ninth and needing to keep their finals chances in play when they host Canterbury on Friday night, have made one change from the side that thrashed the Dolphins 64-12. Siua Wong (concussion) is out, so Victor Radley moves up to the starting side at his favourite lock position and young gun Blake Steep comes onto the bench. The Bulldogs are unchanged but regular fullback Connor Tracey will be given every chance to prove his fitness after being named to return from an abdominal injury on the extended bench. The fifth-placed Warriors have received a boost as they attempt to halt a three-game losing streak with hooker Wade Egan back from a shoulder injury for Friday night's home fixture against St George Illawarra. The Dragons lose centre Moses Suli (knee) but get Mathew Feagai (groin) back. North Queensland get veteran prop Jordan McLean (calf) back for Sunday's match-up with Newcastle in Townsville in a straight swap for suspended prop Coen Hess. South Sydney have made one change with forward Lachlan Hubner (concussion) out and Shaquai Mitchell in to play an unchanged Parramatta at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. Melbourne's hopes of putting a hammer blow in Penrith's top-four aspirations have received a blow with star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen ruled out of the 2024 grand-final rematch with concussion. Papenhuyzen, who played a full 80 minutes against Brisbane last week, joins half Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) on the sidelines for Thursday night's clash at CommBank Stadium. Coach Craig Bellamy has switched Nick Meaney to fullback and brought Marion Seve into the centres for his first NRL match since round four. The Panthers, in search of their 10th consecutive win, will be without co-captain Isaah Yeo for another week after he sustained a shoulder injury in the round-22 clash with Gold Coast. Rampaging prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named on the extended bench for the Storm after playing in the Queensland Cup last week following a two-week suspension. Cronulla's finals aspirations have taken a hit with news on Tuesday star centre Jesse Ramien will miss the rest of the regular season with a broken thumb. Barnstorming back-rower Briton Nikora is also out of action until the finals due to suspension. They will be replaced by Mawene Hiroti and Billy Burns respectively in the starting side for Saturday afternoon's showdown at Shark Park against Gold Coast. The Titans welcome back captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui from a knee injury and fellow Queensland prop Moaeki Fotuaika from illness. Saturday night's 'Battle of Brisbane' at Suncorp Stadium is set to have major ramifications for the top eight when Brisbane host the Dolphins. The Broncos have a new halves pairing with Billy Walters and Ben Hunt replacing the injured Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds. Cory Paix gets a recall at hooker, as does Josiah Karapani on the wing. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has recalled veteran Kenny Bromwich on the interchange bench while prop Frank Molo serves a one-match suspension. Manly have kept Tom Trbojevic at fullback as their finals hopes go on the line at Allianz Stadium against Wests Tigers on Sunday. Former No.1 Lehi Hopoate returns from injury on the wing to replace Tommy Talau who reverts to the bench. The Sea Eagles will be without inspirational lock Jake Trbojevic (concussion). The Tigers, who are still a mathematical chance of playing finals, are fresh from a bye and will slot Starford To'a back in to replace Brent Naden from the previous week's win over the Bulldogs. The Sydney Roosters, in ninth and needing to keep their finals chances in play when they host Canterbury on Friday night, have made one change from the side that thrashed the Dolphins 64-12. Siua Wong (concussion) is out, so Victor Radley moves up to the starting side at his favourite lock position and young gun Blake Steep comes onto the bench. The Bulldogs are unchanged but regular fullback Connor Tracey will be given every chance to prove his fitness after being named to return from an abdominal injury on the extended bench. The fifth-placed Warriors have received a boost as they attempt to halt a three-game losing streak with hooker Wade Egan back from a shoulder injury for Friday night's home fixture against St George Illawarra. The Dragons lose centre Moses Suli (knee) but get Mathew Feagai (groin) back. North Queensland get veteran prop Jordan McLean (calf) back for Sunday's match-up with Newcastle in Townsville in a straight swap for suspended prop Coen Hess. South Sydney have made one change with forward Lachlan Hubner (concussion) out and Shaquai Mitchell in to play an unchanged Parramatta at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
The Advertiser
12-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'That loss does not define us': Dolphins target bounce
The Dolphins take on Brisbane fresh from the biggest defeat in their history but coach Kristian Woolf took fast action to ensure it will not upset their finals push. Dolphins prop Josh Kerr said Woolf held a review the morning after Saturday night's 64-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters. He said the players had "flushed" the performance out of their system and would get back to the top-shelf football that took them into eighth position on the NRL ladder to start with. South Sydney were whipped 60-14 by Brisbane in round 22 and coach Wayne Bennett, formerly the Dolphins' mentor, did not undertake a review of the match. Bennett said "everyone around you can be doom and gloom but ... it won't help you play better". The Rabbitohs came out the following week and beat Gold Coast 20-18. Woolf took a slightly different approach but the message was reminiscent of Bennett's."We did something similar," Kerr told AAP. "The next day we had our recovery and review but we only watched three clips of things we never want to see again in our game. "Woolfy just said that loss to the Roosters does not define us. We can roll over and die or we can keep fighting. I know we will keep fighting."It is obviously one of those games you can flush. The Roosters were the better team."Everyone knows when you've had a bad game. We all didn't play our best." The 'Battle of Brisbane' on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium should bring the best out of the Dolphins, who have received a further blow to their depleted squad. Prop Francis Molo received a one-week suspension for a high tackle in the loss to the Roosters and is now the eighth player in the top 17 to be unavailable due to injury or suspension. Kerr said the Dolphins would regroup and tackle the Broncos with optimism."The boys are just looking forward to training during the week and getting back into it to correct a few things. I am confident the boys will bounce back up," Kerr said."It is a real test against the Broncos. They are missing key players and we are missing a majority of our squad. The Battle of Brisbane will be hectic. They are usually sold out. The boys will be up for it." The Dolphins had their only win in five attempts against the Broncos last year in a 40-6 victory and will aim to draw on the experience. Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was in electric form that night in a two-try display. Brisbane sit sixth on 28 points, while the Dolphins are eighth with 26. With 30 points likely needed to make their maiden semi-finals campaign, the Dolphins will be aiming for at least two more wins. After Brisbane they play Manly (away) before home clashes with the Gold Coast and Canberra. The Dolphins take on Brisbane fresh from the biggest defeat in their history but coach Kristian Woolf took fast action to ensure it will not upset their finals push. Dolphins prop Josh Kerr said Woolf held a review the morning after Saturday night's 64-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters. He said the players had "flushed" the performance out of their system and would get back to the top-shelf football that took them into eighth position on the NRL ladder to start with. South Sydney were whipped 60-14 by Brisbane in round 22 and coach Wayne Bennett, formerly the Dolphins' mentor, did not undertake a review of the match. Bennett said "everyone around you can be doom and gloom but ... it won't help you play better". The Rabbitohs came out the following week and beat Gold Coast 20-18. Woolf took a slightly different approach but the message was reminiscent of Bennett's."We did something similar," Kerr told AAP. "The next day we had our recovery and review but we only watched three clips of things we never want to see again in our game. "Woolfy just said that loss to the Roosters does not define us. We can roll over and die or we can keep fighting. I know we will keep fighting."It is obviously one of those games you can flush. The Roosters were the better team."Everyone knows when you've had a bad game. We all didn't play our best." The 'Battle of Brisbane' on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium should bring the best out of the Dolphins, who have received a further blow to their depleted squad. Prop Francis Molo received a one-week suspension for a high tackle in the loss to the Roosters and is now the eighth player in the top 17 to be unavailable due to injury or suspension. Kerr said the Dolphins would regroup and tackle the Broncos with optimism."The boys are just looking forward to training during the week and getting back into it to correct a few things. I am confident the boys will bounce back up," Kerr said."It is a real test against the Broncos. They are missing key players and we are missing a majority of our squad. The Battle of Brisbane will be hectic. They are usually sold out. The boys will be up for it." The Dolphins had their only win in five attempts against the Broncos last year in a 40-6 victory and will aim to draw on the experience. Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was in electric form that night in a two-try display. Brisbane sit sixth on 28 points, while the Dolphins are eighth with 26. With 30 points likely needed to make their maiden semi-finals campaign, the Dolphins will be aiming for at least two more wins. After Brisbane they play Manly (away) before home clashes with the Gold Coast and Canberra. The Dolphins take on Brisbane fresh from the biggest defeat in their history but coach Kristian Woolf took fast action to ensure it will not upset their finals push. Dolphins prop Josh Kerr said Woolf held a review the morning after Saturday night's 64-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters. He said the players had "flushed" the performance out of their system and would get back to the top-shelf football that took them into eighth position on the NRL ladder to start with. South Sydney were whipped 60-14 by Brisbane in round 22 and coach Wayne Bennett, formerly the Dolphins' mentor, did not undertake a review of the match. Bennett said "everyone around you can be doom and gloom but ... it won't help you play better". The Rabbitohs came out the following week and beat Gold Coast 20-18. Woolf took a slightly different approach but the message was reminiscent of Bennett's."We did something similar," Kerr told AAP. "The next day we had our recovery and review but we only watched three clips of things we never want to see again in our game. "Woolfy just said that loss to the Roosters does not define us. We can roll over and die or we can keep fighting. I know we will keep fighting."It is obviously one of those games you can flush. The Roosters were the better team."Everyone knows when you've had a bad game. We all didn't play our best." The 'Battle of Brisbane' on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium should bring the best out of the Dolphins, who have received a further blow to their depleted squad. Prop Francis Molo received a one-week suspension for a high tackle in the loss to the Roosters and is now the eighth player in the top 17 to be unavailable due to injury or suspension. Kerr said the Dolphins would regroup and tackle the Broncos with optimism."The boys are just looking forward to training during the week and getting back into it to correct a few things. I am confident the boys will bounce back up," Kerr said."It is a real test against the Broncos. They are missing key players and we are missing a majority of our squad. The Battle of Brisbane will be hectic. They are usually sold out. The boys will be up for it." The Dolphins had their only win in five attempts against the Broncos last year in a 40-6 victory and will aim to draw on the experience. Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was in electric form that night in a two-try display. Brisbane sit sixth on 28 points, while the Dolphins are eighth with 26. With 30 points likely needed to make their maiden semi-finals campaign, the Dolphins will be aiming for at least two more wins. After Brisbane they play Manly (away) before home clashes with the Gold Coast and Canberra.
The Advertiser
11-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Walters set for Broncos halves as history repeats
Billy Walters appears set to wear his father's famous No.6 jersey in the "Battle of Brisbane'' with the Dolphins. Broncos training on Monday was highly suggestive that the 31-year-old will replace injured Ezra Mam for Saturday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium. Walters, who came off the bench at hooker in the 22-2 loss to Melbourne, trained alongside new halfback Ben Hunt, with Cory Paix slotting in at dummy-half. Hunt will replace captain Adam Reynolds, who like Mam tore a hamstring against the Storm. Walters played in the halves at the Storm and Wests Tigers and was initially signed by the Broncos to play in that position. He also trained in the pre-season as a half/hooker and has done the reps and training to slot in and do the job with aplomb. Walters played two trials in the halves to show coach Michael Maguire's hand about his abilities. Billy's father Kevin won four of his five grand finals in the No.6 jersey, so it will be a nice touch to see him follow in those illustrious footsteps. The sixth-placed Broncos will all but wrap up a finals berth if they can beat the Dolphins (eighth). They will have their sights on a top-four spot, but to do that they probably need to win all four of their remaining games and hope fourth-placed Penrith, three points ahead of them on 31, slip up in the weeks ahead. The Broncos also need to replace winger Selwyn Cobbo, who tore a hamstring late against the Storm. Josiah Karapani appeared the early favourite at training, although Jesse Arthars is another option. Paix is the obvious option at hooker after playing most of the season as the starting No.9. Billy Walters appears set to wear his father's famous No.6 jersey in the "Battle of Brisbane'' with the Dolphins. Broncos training on Monday was highly suggestive that the 31-year-old will replace injured Ezra Mam for Saturday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium. Walters, who came off the bench at hooker in the 22-2 loss to Melbourne, trained alongside new halfback Ben Hunt, with Cory Paix slotting in at dummy-half. Hunt will replace captain Adam Reynolds, who like Mam tore a hamstring against the Storm. Walters played in the halves at the Storm and Wests Tigers and was initially signed by the Broncos to play in that position. He also trained in the pre-season as a half/hooker and has done the reps and training to slot in and do the job with aplomb. Walters played two trials in the halves to show coach Michael Maguire's hand about his abilities. Billy's father Kevin won four of his five grand finals in the No.6 jersey, so it will be a nice touch to see him follow in those illustrious footsteps. The sixth-placed Broncos will all but wrap up a finals berth if they can beat the Dolphins (eighth). They will have their sights on a top-four spot, but to do that they probably need to win all four of their remaining games and hope fourth-placed Penrith, three points ahead of them on 31, slip up in the weeks ahead. The Broncos also need to replace winger Selwyn Cobbo, who tore a hamstring late against the Storm. Josiah Karapani appeared the early favourite at training, although Jesse Arthars is another option. Paix is the obvious option at hooker after playing most of the season as the starting No.9. Billy Walters appears set to wear his father's famous No.6 jersey in the "Battle of Brisbane'' with the Dolphins. Broncos training on Monday was highly suggestive that the 31-year-old will replace injured Ezra Mam for Saturday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium. Walters, who came off the bench at hooker in the 22-2 loss to Melbourne, trained alongside new halfback Ben Hunt, with Cory Paix slotting in at dummy-half. Hunt will replace captain Adam Reynolds, who like Mam tore a hamstring against the Storm. Walters played in the halves at the Storm and Wests Tigers and was initially signed by the Broncos to play in that position. He also trained in the pre-season as a half/hooker and has done the reps and training to slot in and do the job with aplomb. Walters played two trials in the halves to show coach Michael Maguire's hand about his abilities. Billy's father Kevin won four of his five grand finals in the No.6 jersey, so it will be a nice touch to see him follow in those illustrious footsteps. The sixth-placed Broncos will all but wrap up a finals berth if they can beat the Dolphins (eighth). They will have their sights on a top-four spot, but to do that they probably need to win all four of their remaining games and hope fourth-placed Penrith, three points ahead of them on 31, slip up in the weeks ahead. The Broncos also need to replace winger Selwyn Cobbo, who tore a hamstring late against the Storm. Josiah Karapani appeared the early favourite at training, although Jesse Arthars is another option. Paix is the obvious option at hooker after playing most of the season as the starting No.9.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Riki, Gilbert facing bans after 'Battle of Brisbane'
Brisbane and the Dolphins are counting the cost of a fiery derby after Jordan Riki and Tom Gilbert were both charged by the match review committee. Broncos back-rower Riki was slapped with a grade-two careless high tackle after his shoulder collected the head of Dolphins winger Jack Bostock in the 39th minute of the Battle of Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. Gilbert received the same grading for a similar offence for a shot on Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs in the 54th minute. The Dolphins were on Saturday still mulling over whether to fight the charge after losing 20-12 to a gritty Broncos outfit. Riki was fortunate to stay on the field after Bostock went off for an HIA, which he passed, while Staggs was able to continue after Gilbert's hit. The Broncos will likely not risk a three-week suspension by fighting Riki's charge. His place in the team for next Saturday night's home clash with Wests Tigers will likely be taken by bench back-rower Brendan Piakura. New Zealand international Riki had his best game of the season against the Dolphins where he ran for 150m, made a line break and five tackle busts, along with 33 tackles. The Broncos have been able to select the same starting pack for the opening four rounds but will now be forced into an adjustment if they elect not to fight the charge. Piakura has been playing off the bench in the opening four rounds and has had limited minutes. He did put a cracking shot on Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth in the closing minutes of the derby to remind his former teammate of his wares. The winless Dolphins can ill-afford to lose Gilbert who despite running out in the 13 jersey also spent time in the back-row. That allowed Max Plath to play in his preferred middle forward position where he will likely move to for next Saturday afternoon's away clash with Gold Coast.
