An inspired Redcliffe Dolphins outfit came away 28-18 winners over the BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Moreton Daily Stadium in Round 17.
There was barely a cloud in the sky at Redcliffe as both teams ran out to perfect football conditions on a fast pitch.
Brimming with talent from their affiliate club, the New Zealand Warriors, the Dolphins started strong with a try to Viliami Vailea.
The Seagulls responded soon after with a try from Te Maire Martin, who returned to the side after performing strongly for the Brisbane Broncos, and then suffering an injury that sidelined him for multiple weeks.
Matiu Love-Henry put Martin through the line, who then passed to Zac Hosking in support. Hosking gave the ball straight back to Martin to dodge the fullback, who then scored under the posts.
The game went back and forward for 15 minutes with both sides threatening to score, despite set plays breaking down.
Jeremiah Simbiken then crossed for the first of his two try’s in a barnstorming performance that would later earn him ‘Hastings Deering Player of the Match’ honours.
The Dolphins took a 12-6 lead into the break, with the game evenly poised.
However, Redcliffe crossed for 3 tries in the first 11 minutes of the second half to blow the game wide open.
Max Plath got one back for the visitors in the 58th minute to start the Seagulls comeback.
But errors and solid defence from the Dolphins halted the Seagulls momentum whenever they looked like going on a run.
Delouise Hoeter scored in the 73rd minute to give a glimmer of hope, however the Dolphins would close out the game 28-18.