Kawana Dolphins claim Sunshine Coast rugby league premiership

Kawana Dolphins have promised to party until Monday after the maroon and white were crowned the toast of Sunshine Coast Rugby League with gutsy win over Maroochydore Swans.

Kawana Dolphins have promised to party until Monday after the maroon and white were crowned the toast of Sunshine Coast Rugby League with gutsy grand final win over Maroochydore Swans at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

The Dolphins prevailed 22-10 with defence, as it had been all season, the cornerstone of its premiership success.

On full time the players sprinted to the hill where they were mobbed by supporters.

Andrew Hinson, who took over a side in turmoil back in 2019, said it was the proudest moment of his coaching career.

It was his first senior title as a coach.

“We have such a rich history as a club that we keep building on, and this one is special,” Hinson said.

Maroochydore, while brave, trailed for much of the game and were unable to find the key to unlocking Kawana’s line.

Prop Ryan Jeffrey was named man of the match after another typical powerhouse performance, however it could have gone to Stevie-Ray Haenga Albert or Thomas Sly.

Kawana captain Tommy Hearn said the party would go for days.

“Plenty of beers tonight, tomorrow and Monday, we will celebrate this one hard, it’s been awesome,” Hearn said.

The win was Kawana’s first since Rob Brough was coach.