Broncos v Dolphins: Caxton St hotels take sides for Friday’s clash
One Brisbane watering hole will be decked out in red and white colours on Friday night to attract supporters of the NRL’s newest team, the undefeated Dolphins.
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As the highly anticipated NRL “Battle of Brisbane” between the undefeated Brisbane Broncos and newcomers the Redcliffe Dolphins looms, tensions are running high in the local bar scene.
As fans gear up for Friday night’s game, it is clear that the clash extends beyond the boundaries of Suncorp Stadium, with bars surrounding the arena picking their sides in what appears to be a turf war among Brisbane’s favourite watering holes.
Traditionally loyal to the ladder-leading Broncos, the Caxton Hotel has made it clear it will remain steadfast in support of the hometown team, says venue manager Stirling Farquhar.
“My family who own the pub, we’ve been really good family friends with ‘Kevvie’ (Broncos coach Kevin Walters) and ‘Alfie’ (Allan Langer) and all the Broncos, so its just seems so natural that we align ourselves with them and the Broncos,” he said.
Just a few hundred metres down the road, the Lord Alfred has pledged its loyalty to the Dolphins, who also have not lost a game in their inaugural season, sitting second on the ladder.
“We’re definitely the Dolphins’ supporters home base here on Caxton St,” Lord Alfred venue manager Tim Vickers said.
“The Caxton down the road has the monopoly on all of the Broncos’ supporters, and we thought we’d back the new guys.
“We will have banners and posters and flags all over the venue.
“The place will be decked out sort of red and white decor for all the Dolphin supporters.”
Despite each establishment staking their claim as the go-to spot for fans of their chosen team, both are looking forward to lots of people enjoying the game, no matter their team.
“It’s going to be amazing for just the street and the precinct as a whole,” Mr Vickers said.
“Just having both Brisbane teams being undefeated going into Friday, it’s going to be incredible for the area.”
Mr Farquhar added: “I think when it’s a big game like this, rugby league is the true winner.”