Dolphins 1 win away from history, Broncos become heavyweight contender

By Chase Christensen

Southeast Queensland’s pride and joy - the Brisbane Broncos and the Dolphins - nearly both featured in the finals for the first time ever. Yes, it didn’t happen; however, there are still reasons for both fanbases to be happy with 2025.

The Dolphins entered 2025 with moderately high ambitions. There weren’t any enormous signings in the offseason, although they were nearly fully fit after a disastrous 2024 season, injury-wise. The season began with the story being “Phins down” after one month of footy, as Kristian Woolf’s side had zero wins after four matches, which included losses to the Tigers, Knights, and Rabbitohs - all bottom-eight teams.

What started to look like it would be a disastrous year was turned around, as they followed the opening month with two of their three straight wins against the Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers. It was a roller-coaster season from there on.

Unfortunately, too many losses piled up, which ultimately brought their potential finals destiny down to the final round of the regular season. They first needed the Roosters to be remarkably upset by South Sydney, then needed to win their match against the Raiders, as well as a 15-point differential swing. One of the three requirements was met in emphatic fashion, as they destroyed a half-rested Canberra team 62–24 at Kayo Stadium. As expected, though, the Roosters thrashed the Bunnies, which meant the Phins’ finals berth chances were zilch - even before their monster win over the Green Machine.

On the other hand, the Broncos have had the most off-field drama this year, especially in the last fortnight. Of course, Ezra Mam’s suspension was the story of the off-season and into early September. Origin star Gehamat Shibasaki was subjected to a one-match suspension by Brisbane due to what a Fox Sports article described as a “boozy night out.” This followed a video that was posted by Reece Walsh on his public Snapchat account, showing the star fullback consuming toilet water. These were just minor issues alongside major injuries that unbelievably occurred on the same play in their round-23 clash against Melbourne to halves partners Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds. If they weren’t already hurting enough, soon-to-be-departing Selwyn Cobbo was also ruled out for the rest of the year due to an injury in the same match.

Despite all the controversies, the Broncos’ season began with a bang in a 36-point thrashing of the Roosters and their most important win of the season in the final round against Melbourne. They successfully secured their top four position by beating the Storm. After suffering the three crucial injuries in round 23, their top four chances looked gone and simply hanging onto the top eight was the goal for many Red Hill fans. They were pleasantly surprised as the Broncos didn’t lose a single game following those injuries.

Led by Reece Walsh, the Broncos are playing the best footy they’ve played all season. It is perfect timing, as they will play their week-one finals match against the Raiders on the afternoon of September 14. Note to reader: whilst writing this article, the result of the Canberra v Brisbane game is unknown. If they pull off a win, they will receive a week off and play either the Storm, Bulldogs, Panthers, or Warriors - depending on other results. If they lose, they will play the winner of the Sharks and Roosters fixture in week two of the post-season.

Both clubs have endured contrasting seasons, but with the Broncos surging into finals and the Dolphins proving resilient, Southeast Queensland fans can feel optimistic about the future.