a day ago
Fuller magic but Broncos take the lead in dramatic Battle of Brisbane
The duel between Broncos star Kotoni Staggs and the Dolphins' Queensland Origin gun Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has taken centre stage in the Battle of Brisbane.
Both men have scored at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, as both sides look to strengthen their claim to a place in the top eight.
But a piece of Trai Fuller magic has put the Dolphins in command early in the second half.
The Broncos dominated field position and possession through the first 10 minutes but were kept at bay by the Dolphins defence.
Broncos second-rower Jack Gosiewski suffered an AC joint injury after a heavy tackle attacking the Dolphins line, and later went straight up the tunnel.
He was later ruled out, leaving the Broncos with 16 men.
Repeat sets allowed the Dolphins to build some pressure on the Broncos try line.
Tevita Naufahu went close to scoring but a spectacular cover tackle from Kotoni Staggs took the Dolphins rookie into touch.
But they made no mistake a few minutes later, with Tabuai-Fidow accelerating through a gap to open the scoring after 15 minutes.
The Dolphins' decision to start Trai Fuller at fullback and shift Tabuai-Fidow to left centre paid early dividends as they fight to keep their top eight hopes alive.
It took only five minutes for the Broncos to hit back, as Staggs bullied his way through the Dolphins' defence to cross first for his side.
Fuller created a piece of Battle of Brisbane magic in the moments after halftime, splitting the Broncos defence in his own half before going the length, a dummy to send Reece Walsh the wrong way the icing on the cake for the flying fullback.
