Battered, bloodied and unbowed

Above: Kurt Donoghoe goes off with a broken nose two weeks ago against the Bulldogs. Picture: NRL

Dolphins’ Kurt Donoghoe is fit and ready to face the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on Friday (8pm) - two weeks after discovering a “hole" in his face.

Last time out, during 'Phins stunning 44-8 victory at ladder leaders Bulldogs, the 23-year-old utility suffered a badly broken nose.

Remarkably, he only missed 11 minutes of the game while being treated and returned to score a try on a memorable night.

It was a brave and inspiring performance by Donoghoe, who has retained his place in this week's starting line-up.

“To be honest, I didn’t remember too much,” he said, “(I’ve) gone in for a tackle, came out of it and saw (my) team-mates in shock.

“I had no idea what was going on. I was in a fair bit of pain. I went to touch my face and there was a hole.”

It was a “stressful moment”, but Dolphins’ doctor quickly put his nose back in place and within minutes Donoghoe was back in action. 

“When he (doctor) was touching it, it was pretty painful,” the Fiji international said, “after that it wasn’t too bad.

“With the bye coming up it was pretty important we got that win for our season. I think there were a few other boys out there busted as well.

“(The) bye came at a good time for myself to go back home for a bit. – and a good time for the team.”

The versatile Donoghoe played at hooker in Dolphins’ last three matches with Jeremy Marshall-King sidelined after a cut became infected.

Marshall-King is fit again but has been named among the reserves, with Donoghoe at hooker against Dragons on Friday.

“I’ll happily jump in wherever (needed),” Donoghoe said, “the more quality players we get on that field the better we’re going to be.

“Last two years I’ve been in and out of the team, so for the coach to show confidence in me, gives me heaps of confidence.

“I feel like I’m playing my best footy and I’ve been able to be consistent.”

Dragons are currently two points and two places above Dolphins on the NRL ladder but have played one less game.