Hostplus Cup finals round one: Dolphins V Falcons

The Redcliffe Dolphins will need to bring their A-game to Sunshine Coast Stadium when they take on the Falcons in round one of the finals this weekend.

The clash follows the Dolphins’ two-point loss (20-18) last weekend to the same side at the same venue and sets the scene for a local derby nailbiter.

The Dolphins were leading 18-12 at half-time during last Sunday’s round 20 game, but an early try to the Falcons in the second half and a penalty goal put the home side in front and they held on until the final siren.

It marked the end of the Dolphins’ 12-game undefeated streak.

Redcliffe Dolphins Head Coach Scott Murray says his side will need to be better this Saturday night (6pm kick-off) to beat the Falcons.

“I just don’t think we were at our best, we were a big sluggish and lacked a few things we’ve done well over the past couple of months. I can’t put it down to anything, but we’ll take a lot of learning from it. We’ll be OK,” Murray says.

“I thought we started poorly but we found a way to deal with it to a certain extent. We put on three tries just before half-time. We were still able to find a way to remain competitive and strike when we needed to strike.”

Murray says his side needs to build pressure on opposition teams and maintain it.

“We were down on some of our effort areas and need to put more pressure on the opposition team. Also, working better to help each other out. That comes down to effort,” he says.

“There were some good signs from some of our outside backs. As a group, we were a little bit disappointed. Everyone was feeling that way. We just need to be better.”

Tough assignment

So, is it a good thing to be facing the Falcons again this week in round one of the finals?

“I think it’s a good thing, just considering the way we’ve played and where we can keep getting better … we have a fair idea,” he says.

“I didn’t think it was a good thing at the time, I wasn’t too sure, but I think we’ll be OK.

“The Falcons are a very good team. You don’t end up second on the ladder after 20 rounds by accident.”

His final team list could change a little bit between now and Saturday depending on who is available from the Warriors NRL squad, with the team also playing on Saturday night in New Zealand.

“I’m trying to get a bit of a gauge where things are at now,” Murray says.

|“It’s not ideal from there’s or our perspective. That’s the way we’ve prepared all year … this could happen at any stage … it has so, we’ll see where it lands by the end of the week.”|

Murray says his team struggled with the physicality of last weekend’s game against the Falcons and intent was lacking.

“They’re a really physical team and they’ve got some high-quality players,” he says.

“It probably gives us a little bit of a lesson. They do all of the little things really well, it’s a Melbourne Storm characteristic, and how they play the game.”

He’s hoping Redcliffe Dolphins fans will head up to Sunshine Coast for Saturday night footy in a venue which is great for watching and playing the game.

Reward for Fuller

Star Redcliffe full-back Trai Fuller has been rewarded for consistently good form this season, with a train and trail contact with the Dolphins’ NRL side, and his coach couldn’t be happier.

“We’re really proud of Trai and love having him as part of our squad. He’s been here for five or six years now,” Murray says.

“He deserves it and I know he will make the most of it. He did an offseason with the Warriors and would have learnt a lot from that.

“I know he’ll take full advantage of it. He’s got an opportunity now. I’m looking forward to seeing his progress.”