The Dolphins’ Intrust Super Cup rookie Benji Marshall had a profound impact on the game against the Jets before a damaged wrist forced him from the field.
While Marshall may have only played two Intrust Super Cup games; he was able to draw on 256 NRL games worth of experience and his World Cup and premiership winning form to help guide Redcliffe over Ipswich 28-20 in the entertaining clash at Dolphins Oval.
XXXX man of the match Marshall scored an impressive try at the stroke of halftime and had a hand in three others, showing class and speed from fullback, directing his pod of Dolphins and kicking for position.
Phins coach Adam Mogg nominated Josh Beehag as his most improved Dolphin during the week and that was showcased when he opened the scoring for his side in the 10th minute.
The Jets answered back with their own try three minutes later when Michael Purcell picked up a loose ball and stepped inside several Dolphins to find Wes Conlon who scored.
In a hectic passage of play, Jonus Pearson next to score as he showed plenty of speed in the 16th minute to up the Dolphins up 10-6.
Redcliffe’s second rower Troy Giess further extended the home side’s lead in the 24th minute with a try that got the Dolphins a commanding lead of 14- 4.
However, Ipswich’s Purcell back with his own try off a short kick-off and the Jets seemed back in the game when former Phin Luke Capewell converted to move the score to 18-12 with just under 10 minutes to go before halftime.
However, in a damaging period for the Jets the Dolphins would score three tries in 20 minutes either side of the break.
Moses Pangai scored first then Marshall benefited from a Matthew Lodge off-load just before the break; while half Christian Hazard maximised the damage with a four pointer in the 47th minute and the Jets quickly found themselves behind 28-12.
In promising signs for the Jets; they scored twice in the second half to stay in touch with the top-five side.
Nathan Gaulton scoring his first Intrust Super Cup try, while Richard Pandia added to his season tally to notch four for the year.
However, the fightback came too late for the Jets to take the points from their latest trip to Dolphin Oval.
Next weekend’s XXXX Rivalry Round matches will see Redcliffe will play the Wynnum Seagulls, while the Jets will host the Tigers at North Ipswich Reserve.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game via QRL Live
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 28 (Joshua Beehag, Jonus Pearson, Troy Giess, Moses Pangai, Benji Marshall, Christian Hazard tries; Joshua Beehag 2 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 20 (Wes Conlon, Michael Purcell, Nathan Gaulton, Richard Pandia tries; Luke Capewell 2 goals) at Dolphin Oval.
