‘Maybe a brawl’: Battle for Brisbane to divide city and households

Redcliffe brothers Charlie and Nick Cummings are proving the rivalry that divides a city is rupturing families ahead of Friday’s clash between the Broncos and Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.

Redcliffe brothers Charlie and Nick Cummings are proving the rivalry that divides a city is rupturing families ahead of Friday’s clash between the Broncos and Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.

With an almost sold out crowd expected to flood Caxton St, The Battle has quickly become one of the NRLs fiercest rivalries, pitting teams against each other whose home fields are separated by just over 30kms.

But in homes across the south east that fierce rivalry between family members is being waged in living rooms.

Nick Cummings, 15, supports the Dolphins but brother Charlie Cummings, 17 supports the Broncos. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Cummings household will be lively on Friday night, with brothers and parents divided over their allegiances, Nick, 15 says tensions are running high in his home with his mum beside him on the Dolphins, while his dad is with older brother Charlie in backing the Broncos.

“It’ll be a hectic night in our household,” he said.

“Mum goes for the Dolphins, Dad goes for the Broncos, but you always have to back your Mum.

“There will maybe be a brawl.”

Charlie, 17, who is an equally devout supporter of the Broncos agrees.

“Yeah, there will definitely be a brawl,” he said.

For Nick, seeing the Dolphins win on Friday would be a huge moment given there is a lot more at stake than just pride in his team.

Hamish Marty at the Battle for Brisbane lunch. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Since the Broncos were in the grand final last year, if we can pull this off and win, I think we could have a shot and it puts the Redcliffe name out there,” Nick said.

“If the Dolphins win, I would be over the moon knowing that my older brother is a little cat.”

But Charlie is still certain that the Broncos – and himself – are going to have the last word.

“This weekend we’re going to put you back in your place, the honeymoon stage is over, it’s time to snap back to reality,” Charlie said.

“By half time you better jump on the bus back to Redcliffe because Caxton Street is for the Broncos – it’s our home.”

And while The Battle is causing rifts across homes in the south east, Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy said it’s also creating a huge boon for the city and local businesses.

“When Kotoni Staggs slammed the ball down to seal victory for the Broncos and earn them bragging rights in last year’s inaugural Battle for Brisbane, it lit the fuse on what I believe will become one of rugby league’s greatest rivalries,” he said.

Corey Oates during a news conference at The Battle Luncheon, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

“It brings a great buzz to the city, it generates a lot of business for our hospitality industry, and is a celebration of all things good and great in the Sunshine State.”

Lou Murray, 52, a Redcliffe resident and owner of NRL merchandise store Whats Your Team, said the rivalry has been immense for business as local and overseas Dolphins fans alike get behind their team.

“It’s non-stop every Saturday … there’s a line up at the door whether they’re playing at home or not, we’re making tens of thousands of dollars off Dolphin’s jerseys,” he said.

“We go through pallets of their gear and ship items to customers across Europe, Asia and North America.

“Everywhere you go around here you see everyone wearing jerseys and hats.”