NRL 2023: Dolphins’ whopping ratings has Brisbane blockbuster derby ready to smash records
The spectacular sudden impact of Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins has forged their reputation as giant-killers on and off the field ahead of the first ever Brisbane derby.
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Sean O’Sullivan says the Dolphins are relishing their role as NRL giant killers as it emerged the new franchise have joined River City rivals the Broncos as the ratings powerhouse of the league.
The Dolphins have attracted a staggering 1.1 million viewers following their fairytale start to the season that has seen Wayne Bennett’s troops stun the NRL with two consecutive wins.
All round 3 matches featuring Queensland’s four NRL clubs this weekend will be broadcast exclusively by Fox League on Kayo and Foxtel - starting with the Dolphins-Knights showdown in Newcastle on Friday night.
Another Dolphins victory would set up a debut derby blockbuster with the Broncos on Friday week that could see 50,000 fans flock to Suncorp Stadium.
O’Sullivan has been the architect of his side’s stunning boilovers of the Roosters (28-18) and Canberra (20-14) and the Dolphins halfback says the NRL’s 17th team is motivated to maintain the rage in their shock finals bid.
“We’re not getting carried away - there’s no complacency,” O’Sullivan said.
“Wayne has been very clear with us, he wanted us to enjoy our wins but a few days later, it was like, ‘Forget about that, it’s a long season, we’ve achieved nothing yet’.
“Wayne said we have to keep to backing it up.
“We have set the standard now and it’s up to us to continue performing because no team will be underestimating us.”
Twenty-four hours after the Dolphins attempt to sink the Knights, Queensland fans will savour a league smorgasbord.
The Titans face Melbourne on the Gold Coast, the Cowboys host the Warriors in Townsville and the Broncos will chase a third straight win against the Dragons at Suncorp in a Super Saturday triple header on Fox and Kayo.
The Dolphins head into the Newcastle showdown as the ratings golden boys of the NRL.
In their opening two matches, the Dolphins have been watched by 1.188 million fans. Last week’s upset of Canberra peaked at 621,000 — the second-highest rating NRL regular-season game in Fox broadcasting history.
The Dolphins and Brisbane’s sizzling start to the premiership has seen Queensland’s TV audience rise by 21 per cent and O’Sullivan says the new franchise is hellbent on toppling the Broncos in their historic River City Rumble next week.
“The first derby against the Broncos will be a massive event for Queensland rugby league,” he said.
“I still have some good mates from my time at the Broncos and having the Dolphins in the competition has been a massive drawcard for the NRL.
“One thing I do know with the group that we have got is that we will compete. Every single Wayne Bennett team competes and competes hard.
“You can win games in the NRL from competing hard and having that mateship and executing plays well.
“That’s the mindset we have pulling on the Dolphins jersey.”
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Originally published as NRL 2023: Dolphins’ whopping ratings has Brisbane blockbuster derby ready to smash records
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