The Brisbane Broncos are set to face off against the Dolphins in Round 4 of the 2025 NRL season at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. AEDT. This highly anticipated matchup, known as the Battle for Brisbane, promises to be an exciting clash between the two cross-town rivals.
The Broncos are looking to build on their recent success, having secured a 26-16 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys last week. This win followed a massive 50-14 triumph against the Sydney Roosters in their season opener. However, they did stumble against the Canberra Raiders in between, which has kept the team eager to maintain momentum against their local rivals. With a record of two wins and one loss, the Broncos are favored to win, boasting a -18 handicap at 13/8 odds.
On the other hand, the Dolphins are still seeking their first victory of the season. Head Coach Kristian Woolf's side has struggled in their initial matches, suffering tight losses to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Newcastle Knights, and a disappointing 18-30 defeat to the Wests Tigers last week. The Dolphins enter this match as underdogs, but Woolf remains optimistic about his team's potential. "We've just got to back ourselves and be confident in what we are doing. Once we stop beating ourselves, once we start taking the opportunities that we are creating, then we are going to see results," he stated in a recent press conference.
Team news reveals that the Dolphins have named an unchanged side, with Kenny Bromwich returning to the interchange after a minor injury scare. The Broncos, however, welcome back star center Kotoni Staggs, who missed the first three rounds due to a quad injury. Staggs replaces Deine Mariner in the lineup, adding significant firepower to the Broncos' attack.
This matchup features several intriguing battles, particularly between the two wingers, Jamayne Isaako and Jesse Arthars, who are known for their attacking flair. Isaako, the Dolphins' all-time leading try-scorer, will be looking to make an impact against the Broncos, while Arthars, who has scored six tries in his last four NRL appearances, is eager to continue his scoring streak.
The Broncos' halves pairing of Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds is another key area to watch. With a combined 629 NRL games, they are the most experienced duo in the competition, known for their ability to perform in high-pressure situations. They will be challenged by young Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, who has been making waves this season by leading the NRL in line engagements.
Historically, the Broncos have dominated this rivalry, winning the first three meetings between the two clubs. However, the Dolphins managed to claim their first victory last season with a stunning 40-6 win, a result that remains fresh in the minds of the Broncos players. Herbie Farnworth, who has scored four tries in his last two games at Suncorp Stadium, will also be looking to contribute significantly to the Broncos' efforts.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium is expected to be electric, with fans eager to witness the latest chapter in this fierce rivalry. The Dolphins' quest for their first win of the season will be a crucial test against a Broncos side that is keen to assert their dominance in the Battle for Brisbane.
In terms of betting, the bookies are heavily backing the Broncos with 1/5 odds for a win in 80 minutes, while the Dolphins are listed at 18/5 for a straight win, indicating an implied 21.7% chance of victory. The total points for the Broncos is also set to be over 34.5 at 13/10 odds, reflecting confidence in their scoring ability against a struggling Dolphins defense.
As the teams prepare to clash, the stakes are high, and both sides will be looking to make a statement. For the Dolphins, it’s about turning their season around and building momentum, while the Broncos aim to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the league. With so much on the line, fans can expect a thrilling encounter at Suncorp Stadium.
The match will be broadcast live on Fox League and Channel 9, with streaming options available on Kayo, Foxtel, and 9Now. Fans can also catch highlights and analysis through various sports news platforms, ensuring that no moment of this exciting matchup will go unnoticed.
