Match Preview: Round 4 - Dolphins v Broncos

The Dolphins head into Friday night’s XXXX Derby full of confidence after back-to-back wins, setting up a blockbuster Battle for Brisbane clash against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

After returning from Sydney with another two competition points, the Dolphins now face one of their biggest tests of the season against the reigning premiers on their home turf.

The Broncos will also take confidence into the clash after their win over the Storm last week, with a strong home crowd expected at Suncorp Stadium.

Their last meeting was tightly contested, with the scores locked at 14-all at half-time before the Broncos edged ahead to take the win.

For the Dolphins, matching Brisbane through the middle will be crucial. With growing depth in the forward pack and momentum building over the past fortnight, Kristian Woolf’s side will look to lay the platform up front before striking out wide.

That left edge looms as one of the Dolphins’ biggest attacking weapons, with former Bronco Selwyn Cobbo set to provide plenty of spark against his old club.

On the opposite side, Jamayne Isaako enters the clash on 49 tries for the Dolphins, with a milestone 50th firmly in sight.

All eyes will also be on Selwyn Cobbo and Thomas Flegler, who will take on the Broncos for the first time in a Battle for Brisbane since joining the Dolphins.

A win would hand the Dolphins their third straight victory of the season before they return home to Kayo Stadium next week.

Team News

Dolphins

The Dolphins have been boosted by the return of Thomas Flegler after missing one week with a rib injury, while Francis Molo is back after serving a three-match suspension.

Head Coach Kristian Woolf has otherwise backed the same starting side that claimed an impressive win over the Sharks last round.

Broncos

The Broncos will be without star prop Payne Haas for the derby clash.

Captain Adam Reynolds returns after recovering from a rib injury, providing a major boost to Brisbane’s spine, while Ben Hunt has been named on the interchange in a utility role.

Xavier Willison moves into the starting side at prop in place of Haas.

Match-Up

Battle of the Queensland Fullbacks

One of the most exciting contests in Friday night’s XXXX Derby will unfold at the back, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Reece Walsh going head-to-head.

The clash carries added significance, with Tabuai-Fidow the incumbent Queensland representative up against reigning Clive Churchill Medallist Walsh, as both stake their claim for the Maroons’ number one jersey in 2026.

Tabuai-Fidow has started the season in strong form, crossing for three tries in three appearances, while also recording a try assist, eight tackle breaks and two line breaks. His impact has been highlighted by an average of 210 running metres per game.

That form follows an outstanding 2025 campaign, where he scored 22 tries in 21 games, alongside five try assists and 11 line breaks, averaging 162 running metres per game.

Walsh has also made a solid start to 2026, with two tries in three appearances to go with a try assist, 11 tackle breaks and two line breaks, while averaging 132 running metres per game.

In 2025, Walsh was a key attacking weapon for the Broncos, finishing with 14 tries and an impressive 26 try assists across 21 games, along with 10 line breaks and an average of 148 running metres per match.

With both fullbacks boasting elite attacking ability and game-breaking speed, this head-to-head shapes as a defining battle.

Plath v Paix

The battle at hooker will also be crucial on Friday night, with both Max Plath and Cory Paix looking to control the ruck and generate momentum through the middle.

Plath continues his return from an ACL injury and has already made an impact, bringing energy and composure around the ruck. With 33 NRL appearances to his name, he boasts an impressive tackle efficiency of over 95 per cent, highlighting his defensive reliability.

There is also added significance for Plath in this clash, with his father, John Plath, a Broncos legend who was part of the club’s four premiership-winning sides in the 1990s.

Paix, lining up with 70 NRL appearances, offers experience and consistency for the Broncos. Like Plath, he also holds a tackle efficiency around 95 per cent, making him a strong presence in defence.

With both hookers sharing similar attributes, this match-up will be put to the test their ability to create speed out of dummy-half and spark attacking opportunities through the middle could prove the difference in the XXXX Derby.