2023 season miscellaneous news

[Axel]

2023 NRL jersey review​

So, who are the NRL’s fashion leaders and fashion disasters in 2023? This year I decided to ask a selection of readers to review and rate their team’s 2023 jerseys, with reader ratings and my ratings used to arrive at a score out of 100. Here are the results, from worst to first, with a brief detour to Redcliffe, or wherever the Dolphins reside these days.

We know you’re new here, but this isn’t going to work​

I got a bit more than I bargained for with the Dolphins (52). Five supporters of other clubs felt compelled to offer their thoughts about the inaugural strips, and they were not complimentary. Should we cut the Dolphins some slack given it’s their first season and things can only get better? They’ll get better, right?

For a view from the Peninsula, I consulted long-time Redcliffe supporter Matth, who presented a thoughtful argument, including “I would’ve preferred the traditional red with white V, but the Dragons would’ve objected. So given the constraints, it’s as good as could be expected”.

Taking this point a step further, you could argue that adding a more traditional colour to Redcliffe’s existing strip could conflict with even more clubs, for example Newcastle, North Sydney, Souths and Wynnum-Manly. No, sorry Matth, constraints or not they’re just terrible jerseys. There’s no excuse for the new shade of puke, or for making it so prominent. There were other options.

 

[midlands hobo]

I like the white one. Red I'm. Not fussed in

 

[Jetty]

NRL watchability ratings​

DOLPHINS​

VERDICT: ​

Forget the fact they haven’t landed a marquee player, they’ve got the NRL’s most enigmatic and entertaining coach in Wayne Bennett to generate the publicity. He even makes headlines when he doesn’t attend trials. And on that front it was truly astonishing that in the first week of the Pre Season Challenge the Dolphins pulled in the biggest ratings on Fox League.

It gives you an indication of the anticipation that greets the NRL newcomers. And while we really have no idea what sort of footy they are going to play, what’s going to be fascinating is seeing how many games they can win _ and if Bennett can avoid his first ever spoon (with the bookies ranking the Dolphins standout favourites for most losses). If you’re looking for a villain, former Storm bad boy Felise Kaufusi is the obvious choice along with the coach who seems to polarise most fans, while teenage playmaker Isaiya Katoa could easily emerge rookie of the year as he challenges Anthony Milford to start the season at five-eighth.

Dolphins - Ranked: 14th​

STAR POWER: 5/10
PLAYING STYLE: 3/10
BOX OFFICE APPEAL: 9/10
HEROES AND VILLAINS: 8.5/10
POTENTIAL FOR DRAMA: 9/10
JERSEYS: 5.5/10
TOTAL SCORE: 40/60
MOST POPULAR SUPERCOACH PLAYERS: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 33%, Ray Stone 30%, Isaiya Katoa 25%

 

[Paul]

NRL watchability ratings​

DOLPHINS​

VERDICT: ​

Forget the fact they haven’t landed a marquee player, they’ve got the NRL’s most enigmatic and entertaining coach in Wayne Bennett to generate the publicity. He even makes headlines when he doesn’t attend trials. And on that front it was truly astonishing that in the first week of the Pre Season Challenge the Dolphins pulled in the biggest ratings on Fox League.

It gives you an indication of the anticipation that greets the NRL newcomers. And while we really have no idea what sort of footy they are going to play, what’s going to be fascinating is seeing how many games they can win _ and if Bennett can avoid his first ever spoon (with the bookies ranking the Dolphins standout favourites for most losses). If you’re looking for a villain, former Storm bad boy Felise Kaufusi is the obvious choice along with the coach who seems to polarise most fans, while teenage playmaker Isaiya Katoa could easily emerge rookie of the year as he challenges Anthony Milford to start the season at five-eighth.

Dolphins : Ranked: 14th​

STAR POWER: 5/10
PLAYING STYLE: 3/10
BOX OFFICE APPEAL: 9/10
HEROES AND VILLAINS: 8.5/10
POTENTIAL FOR DRAMA: 9/10
JERSEYS: 5.5/10
TOTAL SCORE: 40/60
MOST POPULAR SUPERCOACH PLAYERS: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 33%, Ray Stone 30%, Isaiya Katoa 25%

With the tough, veteran forward pack and average (at best) backline, a negative, grinding style might be what's in store for this year. Not the most fun to watch.

 

[Jetty]

The story of the South Queensland Crushers​

It's been just over a quarter-century since the South Queensland Crushers went to the big grandstand in the sky. When Brisbane's second rugby league side left the field in the final round of the 1997 season, everybody knew it was the end. Oblivion had been a long time coming for the side that entered the big leagues two years earlier to so much promise and hope.

In 2023, the NRL has a second team in the Olympic City, with the Dolphins joining the league to try and succeed where South Queensland could not. But the tale of the Crushers is more than just a woeful expansion side being dead on arrival. It's a tale of best-laid plans gone awry, copping bad breaks and worse luck when you're fighting city hall, and trying to plan for a future when it feels like the world is ending.

In a two-part ABC Sport production, this is the story of the South Queensland Crushers, from start to finish, through the too many miles, the too few smiles and the endless proof that all that glitters isn't Aztec gold.

The short life and brutal death of the South Queensland Crushers, the team that took on the world and lost

The NRL is going back to the future as they add another team to Brisbane. But a quarter of a century ago, the South Queensland Crushers were the first team to try and share territory with the Broncos. This is their story.

www.abc.net.au

The Donkey's were able to use their monopoly power to get the SE QLD Crushers kicked out of the competition. Simple as that. It might have been for the better. There was enough talent in QLD but unless a few of the Sydney clubs were kicked out, maybe there wasn't enough talent for that many high quality teams.

 

[Axel]

The story of the South Queensland Crushers​

It's been just over a quarter-century since the South Queensland Crushers went to the big grandstand in the sky. When Brisbane's second rugby league side left the field in the final round of the 1997 season, everybody knew it was the end. Oblivion had been a long time coming for the side that entered the big leagues two years earlier to so much promise and hope.

In 2023, the NRL has a second team in the Olympic City, with the Dolphins joining the league to try and succeed where South Queensland could not. But the tale of the Crushers is more than just a woeful expansion side being dead on arrival. It's a tale of best-laid plans gone awry, copping bad breaks and worse luck when you're fighting city hall, and trying to plan for a future when it feels like the world is ending.

In a two-part ABC Sport production, this is the story of the South Queensland Crushers, from start to finish, through the too many miles, the too few smiles and the endless proof that all that glitters isn't Aztec gold.

The short life and brutal death of the South Queensland Crushers, the team that took on the world and lost

The NRL is going back to the future as they add another team to Brisbane. But a quarter of a century ago, the South Queensland Crushers were the first team to try and share territory with the Broncos. This is their story.

www.abc.net.au

The Donkey's were able to use their monopoly power to get the SE QLD Crushers kicked out of the competition. Simple as that. It might have been for the better. There was enough talent in QLD but unless a few of the Sydney clubs were kicked out, maybe there wasn't enough talent for that many high quality teams.

Exactly. They should have stayed in the competition and a Sydney team forced out. Water under the bridge now.

 

[Paul]

Power Rankings​

4. DOLPHINS​

Analysis: The new boys of the NRL shook up the world order by knocking off many people’s title favourites in the Roosters 28-18 in convincing fashion. Wayne Bennett pulled all the right reins and his game plan was delivered perfectly by enforcer Felise Kaufusi, whose brutal defence turned the game in a man of the match display. The veteran pack featuring the Bromwich brothers laid the platform and Jeremy Marshall-King dominated the ruck. Sean O’Sullivan controlled proceedings at halfback and the speed of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jamayne Isaako out wide proved too much for the Tri-colours. The Raiders up next will be another challenge, but the early signs are promising for the Dolphins and wooden spoon predictions may prove very wide of the mark.

 

[Red]

Power Rankings​

4. DOLPHINS​

Analysis: The new boys of the NRL shook up the world order by knocking off many people’s title favourites in the Roosters 28-18 in convincing fashion. Wayne Bennett pulled all the right reins and his game plan was delivered perfectly by enforcer Felise Kaufusi, whose brutal defence turned the game in a man of the match display. The veteran pack featuring the Bromwich brothers laid the platform and Jeremy Marshall-King dominated the ruck. Sean O’Sullivan controlled proceedings at halfback and the speed of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jamayne Isaako out wide proved too much for the Tri-colours. The Raiders up next will be another challenge, but the early signs are promising for the Dolphins and wooden spoon predictions may prove very wide of the mark.

Starting out at #4 was a good surprise but after beating Canberra this weekend then in the 3 rounds after that, coming up against the Broncos and equal wooden spoon favourites, Newcastle and St George, we might be sitting on top of the competition table. This weekends game is crucial. A hard game no doubt. I think in my ladder prediction, I had Canberra in the top 8 at seasons end.

 

[Jetty]

Sammy Thaiday thinking big!

‘Four QLD teams in the top eight’​

Four Queensland teams in the NRL’s top eight? Tell him he’s dreamin’. Well, Broncos great Sam Thaiday is certainly dreaming big after his former side’s red-hot start to the season in the opening fortnight.

• The Broncos are the hottest team in the NRL after upsetting two-time reigning premiers Penrith in their own backyard and taking care of preliminary finalists the Cowboys on Friday night.
  
  
• The Dolphins shocked everyone by beating the Roosters in their first ever game and believes not signing a marquee player might actually be a blessing in disguise. “I just watched Moneyball and it’s one of my favourite movies — it’s essentially what they’ve done at the Dolphins,” Thaiday said.
  
  
• “If the Titans can keep Kieran Foran fit and on the park, they’re a good chance of playing finals footy.
  
  
• Cowboys maybe even a top four, Broncos really pushing for a top four.

 

[Jetty]

Zero Tackle Power Rankings​

2. The Dolphins (3) ​

Another week, another upset for the NRL's newest club. The late win came in front of a jam packed Kayo Stadium. The 10,023 sounded like easily double that. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is being rewarded for backing himself. He could have sat on the Cowboys bench but he took a chance on himself and is in red hot form.

Tom Gilbert and Mark Nicholls more than held their own against one of the competition's best engine rooms. Sean O'Sullivan is playing well beyond his years and experience.

---

The (3) = last weeks rating. Broncos are No.1. It might come to us to bring them down.

 

[Paul]

NRL watchability ratings​

DOLPHINS​

VERDICT: ​

Forget the fact they haven’t landed a marquee player, they’ve got the NRL’s most enigmatic and entertaining coach in Wayne Bennett to generate the publicity. He even makes headlines when he doesn’t attend trials. And on that front it was truly astonishing that in the first week of the Pre Season Challenge the Dolphins pulled in the biggest ratings on Fox League.

It gives you an indication of the anticipation that greets the NRL newcomers. And while we really have no idea what sort of footy they are going to play, what’s going to be fascinating is seeing how many games they can win _ and if Bennett can avoid his first ever spoon (with the bookies ranking the Dolphins standout favourites for most losses). If you’re looking for a villain, former Storm bad boy Felise Kaufusi is the obvious choice along with the coach who seems to polarise most fans, while teenage playmaker Isaiya Katoa could easily emerge rookie of the year as he challenges Anthony Milford to start the season at five-eighth.

Dolphins - Ranked: 14th​

STAR POWER: 5/10
PLAYING STYLE: 3/10
BOX OFFICE APPEAL: 9/10
HEROES AND VILLAINS: 8.5/10
POTENTIAL FOR DRAMA: 9/10
JERSEYS: 5.5/10
TOTAL SCORE: 40/60
MOST POPULAR SUPERCOACH PLAYERS: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 33%, Ray Stone 30%, Isaiya Katoa 25%

God have mercy! After only 2 rounds this has been proved utterly ridiculous.

When is the Broncos game? In 2 rounds? It'll be the biggest regular season clash in QLD history.

 

[Paul]

Zero Tackle Power Rankings​

2. The Dolphins (3) ​

Another week, another upset for the NRL's newest club. The late win came in front of a jam packed Kayo Stadium. The 10,023 sounded like easily double that. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is being rewarded for backing himself. He could have sat on the Cowboys bench but he took a chance on himself and is in red hot form.

Tom Gilbert and Mark Nicholls more than held their own against one of the competition's best engine rooms. Sean O'Sullivan is playing well beyond his years and experience.

---

The (3) = last weeks rating. Broncos are No.1. It might come to us to bring them down.

According to Fox sports. They aren't giving us much credit with no change. Canberra are far from a push over.

4. DOLPHINS​

Last week’s rank: 4th (no movement)
Analysis: The Dolphins continued their dream start to life in the NRL with a 20-14 win over the Raiders to be one of only two teams with two wins heading into Round 3. Their victory over Canberra had some contentious moments and a bit of luck, but the Dolphins showed plenty of fight in their come-from-behind win. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow could prove to be the Dolphins’ best buy after scoring a double to make it three tries from his first two games for the club. Another former Cowboy Tom Gilbert was also strong with 128 run metres, 35 tackles and a try of his own. The Dolphins will have bigger tests ahead and play their first road game in Round 3, but the Knights are decimated by injuries and suspension, so Wayne Bennett’s side could be three from three heading into a mouth-watering derby with the Broncos in Round 4.

 

[Red]

3. DOLPHINS​

Last week’s rank: 4th (up one spot)
Analysis: Wayne Bennett’s NRL newcomers continue to defy the odds.

Just when you thought they might finally show signs of weakness, the Dolphins responded, scoring four second half tries, two in the final five minutes to take a 36-20 win over the Knights.

Even without key dummy-half Jeremy Marshall-King, the Dolphins look dangerous, with both Sean O’Sullivan and Isaiya Katoa performing as the competition’s youngest halves pairing.

Connelly Lemuele continues to shine alongside the veteran forward pack made up of former Storm enforcers.

Tom Gilbert has also been a true workhorse at lock and the Cowboys will be regretting their decision to let him go.

The NRL’s 17th franchise are stamping their claim to play finals football but face their toughest test yet in Round 4, coming up against their Brisbane rivals.

---

Coming into the season, I had no idea who TF Lemuele was. I think everyone in the competition knows now.

 

[Equaliser]

3. DOLPHINS​

Last week’s rank: 4th (up one spot)
Analysis: Wayne Bennett’s NRL newcomers continue to defy the odds.

Just when you thought they might finally show signs of weakness, the Dolphins responded, scoring four second half tries, two in the final five minutes to take a 36-20 win over the Knights.

Even without key dummy-half Jeremy Marshall-King, the Dolphins look dangerous, with both Sean O’Sullivan and Isaiya Katoa performing as the competition’s youngest halves pairing.

Connelly Lemuele continues to shine alongside the veteran forward pack made up of former Storm enforcers.

Tom Gilbert has also been a true workhorse at lock and the Cowboys will be regretting their decision to let him go.

The NRL’s 17th franchise are stamping their claim to play finals football but face their toughest test yet in Round 4, coming up against their Brisbane rivals.

---

Coming into the season, I had no idea who TF Lemuele was. I think everyone in the competition knows now.

Tough test without 2 of our best players but still a big chance.

 

[Mr Fourex]

Miscellaneous views...?

Jetty ...... were you a jetty jumper?
I remember as a teenager, spending many days jumping off the Redcliffe Jetty........ 1980's

 

[Jetty]

Miscellaneous views...?

Jetty ...... were you a jetty jumper?
I remember as a teenager, spending many days jumping off the Redcliffe Jetty........ 1980's

I'm from nearby but not Redcliffe itself. Love the area around the jetty and Redcliffe itself!

 

[Paul]

This is very interesting

The past and the future of the Dolphins and Broncos to collide in the NRL's first Battle of Brisbane

Ahead of the NRL's first Battle of Brisbane, the Broncos are fighting hard to find something they lost while the Dolphins are holding tight to something they've found.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Nashy]

Media is so amped up that they can't just talk about the footy, has to be manufacturing some rivalry that doesn't yet exist.

 

[Chris]

Media is so amped up that they can't just talk about the footy, has to be manufacturing some rivalry that doesn't yet exist.

Why are the Broncos, as in head coach, chairman and BroncosHQ staff all so enthusiastic about talking down a rivalry?

 

[Josh]

Why are the Broncos, as in head coach, chairman and BroncosHQ staff all so enthusiastic about talking down a rivalry?

Mind games.