The Redcliffe Dolphins have held off a spirited Sunshine Coast Falcons in a tense Hostplus Cup grand final arm-wrestle to claim this year’s premiership.
It took a tenacious comeback for the Dolphins to get their hands on the trophy following a brilliant start from the Falcons, who stunned Redcliffe early with two quick tries from Zion Johnson and Flynn Camilleri.
At 12-0 in the Falcons’ favour, it looked ominous for the Dolphins until Jake Averillo stepped up in the 25th minute with an intercept try.
Sunshine Coast still went to half-time leading 18-10 as their large contingent of fans dared to dream about a grand final victory.
However, the second half belonged to the Dolphins, as halfback Joshua James pulled the strings with his smart kicking game.
Tries from Sam Elliott, Jude Saldanha and Brian Pouniu sparked the Dolphins’ faithful into a frenzy in the Des Webb Stand as their local heroes sealed the deal with a 28-18 victory.
Elliott received the Duncan Hall Medal following his gritty effort in the second row.
The win marked the seventh Cup premiership for the Dolphins, and their first since 2018 after losing the 2022 and 2024 grand finals.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 28 (Jake Averillo, Brian Pouniu, Sam Elliott, Jude Saldanha, Brian Pouniu tries; Joshua James 4 goals) def SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 18 (Zion Johnson, Flynn Camilleri, Taine Couper tries; Josh Lynn 3 goals) at Kayo Stadium
Duncan Hall Medal: Sam Elliott (Redcliffe)
