Norths Devils defeat Dolphins 34-20 to claim Queensland Cup premiership
Broncos and Dolphins discard Tesi Niu produced a sizzling display as Norths Devils proved they are the kings of Queensland with another Hostplus Cup premiership. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS
Broncos and Dolphins discard Tesi Niu produced a sizzling display as Norths Devils proved they are the kings of Queensland with another Hostplus Cup premiership.
The Devils disposed of the dogged Dolphins at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium on Sunday night, clinching their third title in four years with a 34-20 grand final victory.
It was the Devils that emerged victorious in a high-octane decider littered with crunching hits that challenged, and perhaps upstaged, the NRL finals in the entertainment stakes.
Norths took the lead in the 11th minute and never let a Dolphins team missing star fullback Trai Fuller (knee) get in front.
“It’s an amazing achievement,” Norths halfback Jack Ahearn said.
“We’ve got a pretty new squad this year. It’s very pleasing.
“We started fresh with a lot of new blood and young fellas that drove the energy.
“It’s an exciting team to be a part of.”
TERRIFIC TESI
Niu is stuck somewhere in the matrix of being too good for reserve grade but not good enough for a regular NRL jersey.
The 56-game Broncos and Dolphins representative carved up Redcliffe in a two-try first half blitz to give the Devils an early 12-0 lead.
Early in the second half Niu busted two tackles and produced a classy offload for winger Blake Paskins to score, securing the Duncan Hall Medal as best on ground following 18 runs for 178m and seven tackle busts.
Niu is set to depart Redcliffe and has been linked with a move to the Super League, where he could be a revelation.
CHEEKY DEVILS
The Devils confirmed they are the powerhouse of Queensland with the club’s 16th premiership since 1933.
They have dominated the competition in recent years, clinching back-to-back titles in 2021-22 and have won four of the five grand finals they’ve played in the Queensland Cup era.
Interestingly, only captain Kierran Moseley, Jack Ahearn and Jacob Gagan played in the 2022 decider, proving the Devils have maintained dominance despite a high turnover of players.
They dropped to 11th last year but fought their way back to the top this season with a team including a refrigeration mechanic, fire fighter, electrician and physiotherapist among some NRL talent.
DOLPHIN DELIGHTS
While Redcliffe may have lost the game, the Dolphins NRL club was cheering all the way.
Both clubs are aligned to the Dolphins after the NRL expansion franchise pinched Norths from the Broncos last year.
There was a host of Dolphins talent on display which proves they have a bright future after narrowly missing the NRL finals this season.
Young gun James Walsh scored a try off the bench for Redcliffe and Oryn Keeley’s stinging defence was a feature for Norths.
The Dolphins have told hooker Harrison Graham he is free to leave the club but he showed he has some smarts about him.
“It was mate versus mate,” Keeley said.
“You know how hard they work. You want to go out there and give them hell.
“It was brutal. They were in your face.
“I haven’t been part of a game that quick and physical. It’s such a high standard of football.”
BRONCO BEN
Norths coach Dave Elliott claimed a well-deserved premiership after a terrific coaching display all season, but Broncos-bound Redcliffe coach Ben Te’o’s reputation was enhanced despite the defeat.
The Dolphins were up against it after losing Fuller last week and fell behind 12-0 early in the game.
However their bruising defence was a highlight and kept Redcliffe in the contest.
“He’s done an outstanding job,” Redcliffe prop Josh Kerr said of Te’o.
“To see him evolve as a coach is going to be a huge boost for the Broncos.
“He’s done an enormous job with us. The Broncos are going to be well off with him.”
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