By Jorja Brinums (QRL Media)
There are many great rivalries in rugby league… Queensland and New South Wales, Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and every other team.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Redcliffe Dolphins have one of the longest standing rivalries in the Intrust Super Cup.
The teams, both originals in the competition, will face off in the XXXX Rivalry Round at BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, in what is guaranteed to be a fiery, physical encounter.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls CEO Hanan Laban said the rivalry between the “two proud Brisbane clubs” was “massive”.
Dolphins beat the Seagulls 36-20 in last year’s XXXX Rivalry Round, and won 50-18 when the two teams faced off again in Round 16.
Intrust Super Cup Round 3 Highlights: Wynnum v Dolphins
“There are a lot of similarities between the clubs, which fuels the rivalry,” Laban said.
“Both are bayside clubs with strong supporter bases and a history of success on the field.
“Each time these clubs go to battle, it is an encounter with plenty of feeling and passion.”
The Seagulls, under the guidance of coach Adam Brideson, lost in Round 1 against Sunshine Coast Falcons, but are coming off a win against Central Queensland Capras in Round 2.
“The Seagulls host the Dolphins this year in the first home game of the season which is also our Old Boys Game… we will have over 200 former players and staff present, who will be cheering the Seagulls home to get their first win at home,” Laban said.
The Dolphins, under Adam Mogg, are yet to grab two points, losing in Round 1 to Northern Pride and Round 2 to the Falcons.
Dolphins captain Bryce Donovan said given the Dolphins were yet to win, players were fired up and determined to finish on top.
“There’s plenty of motivation there to put in a good performance,” Donovan said.
“We have been training really good this week…. we’ve focused on fixing up our ball handling and discipline, so that should put us in good stead for our first win.”
Donovan said given the rivalry with the Seagulls had been there for a long time, it was “always a very physical match”.