The Redcliffe Dolphins have produced a State Championship performance for the history books, tearing apart the Penrith Panthers 68-14 at Accor Stadium.
It was ruthless from the opening minutes and, by the end of it, record-breaking.
Redcliffe’s 68 points is the highest score ever recorded in the NRL State Championship, while the 54-point margin is also the biggest win in the competition’s history.
Jake Averillo got things moving in just the third minute and the Dolphins barely took their foot off the accelerator from there.
Joven Gyemore and Kyle Coghill followed him over before Tevita Naufahu, Brian Pouniu and Sam Elliott all joined the scoring spree.
By the time Averillo crossed for his second, Redcliffe had opened up a 40-4 half-time lead and the game was already well beyond Penrith’s reach.
The Dolphins returned from the break with the same intent.
Averillo completed his hat-trick shortly after half-time, Trai Fuller crossed, Coghill grabbed his second and Jude Saldanha and Gyemore added late tries as Redcliffe pushed the score past 60.
Penrith found three tries through Jaxen Edgar, Zakauri Clarke and Jirah Liddiard, but there was no stopping a Redcliffe side playing with complete confidence.
The Dolphins finished with 1768 run metres, 56 per cent possession and forced 40 missed tackles from Penrith.
Naufahu was outstanding through the middle with 233 run metres, while Gyemore caused problems all afternoon with three line breaks.
Josh James also played his part with the boot, converting 10 of Redcliffe’s 12 tries.
The result puts Redcliffe alongside Northern Pride (2014), Ipswich Jets (2015) and Norths Devils (2024) as Queensland winners of the State Championship.
But this one will be remembered for more than just the trophy.
12 tries. 68 points. A 54-point margin. Irrefutable evidence of the strength on show in the Queensland statewide competitions.
Congratulations to head coach Dave Elliott and his record setting Dolphins for their final season victory.
