The Redcliffe Dolphins will proudly represent Queensland when the Hostplus Cup premiers contest the NRL State Championship Final at Sydney’s Accor Stadium this Sunday.
The NRL State Championship, which pits the Queensland premiers against the NSW Cup winner, was introduced in 2014, with Northern Pride claiming the inaugural title after beating the Penrith Panthers.
Redcliffe will also face the might of the Panthers, who won Saturday’s Knock-On Effect NSW Cup with a dominant 36-6 win over Newtown Jets at CommBank Stadium.
Sunday’s State Championship final is the first of three massive games on NRL Grand Final day.
If the Dolphins are to topple Penrith, the Redcliffe club will become just the fourth Queensland team to hold the trophy.
Along with the Northern Pride’s 2014 success, the Ipswich Jets (2015 v Newcastle Knights) and the Norths Devils (2024 v Newtown Jets) have also won the prized NRL State Championship.
Pictured: The Devils celebrate their 2024 NRL State Championship success.
The Dolphins will announce their squad tomorrow afternoon and are set to be boosted by the return of Trai Fuller from suspension.
Despite missing the livewire fullback, Redcliffe proved too strong for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Saturday’s Hostplus Cup grand final at Kayo Stadium.
Second half tries from Sam Elliott, Jude Saldanha and Brian Pouniu sparked the Dolphins’ faithful into a frenzy as their local heroes sealed the deal with a 28-18 victory.
The hard-fought contest brought the curtain down on a thrilling QRL Grand Final day at Kayo Stadium, where more than 5000 fans generated a vibrant atmosphere across two gripping encounters.
Extra time was needed in a thrilling BMD Premiership grand final between the Burleigh Bears and Souths Logan Magpies.
The deadlock was broken by Lilianah Lewis, who snapped a field goal in the fourth minute of golden point.
QRL competitions manager Dave Maiden praised the skill and commitment of the players, coaches and referees.
“Grand Final day was a tremendous celebration of rugby league and a fitting showcase for our premier statewide competitions,” Maiden said.
“The atmosphere at Kayo Stadium was outstanding. The quality, intensity and determination on display across both games reflected the strength of rugby league in Queensland and the hard work being done by clubs, players, coaches, officials and volunteers throughout the state.
“What stood out most was the passion shown by the competing clubs and their supporters. Grand finals are built on community pride, and that was evident from the first whistle to the last.
“Congratulations to the Souths Logan Magpies on winning the BMD Premiership, and the Redcliffe Dolphins on their Hostplus Cup premiership.”
The Dolphins squad will regroup early this week before travelling to Sydney on Saturday.
“The NRL State Championship is a wonderful occasion that brings together the best teams from the Queensland and NSW competitions, and we wish the Dolphins every success as they prepare to take on Penrith at Accor Stadium,” Maiden said.
“We know they will represent their club, their community and Queensland rugby league with pride.”
NRL State Championship Final
Sunday, October 4
Penrith Panthers v Redcliffe Dolphins
Accor Stadium
