The Ray White Noosa Dolphins have secured their Grand Final appearance with a thrilling 30-28 victory against Brothers last Saturday in a match that showed true grit and determination. Faced with a mounting injury toll, the Dolphins went into the knockout match with six regular A Graders unavailable, including the match day withdrawal of prop Sam Koning through illness. ‘The absence of so many key players was a real concern for us ‘on paper’ but the philosophy we have embraced all year was again, whose the next man up’ said assistant coach Geno Costin. ‘And stand up they did. In their first run on appearances in the top team this year, Will Miller came into the half back role taking over from our Queensland Country half Will Christie and provided great service to his outside backs. Big shoes to fill but Will handled the pressure well. In the centers, Conrad Trotman was a late call up due to the unavailability of Gideon Kautai and was sensational. The Brothers key was their big centre combination and they targeted Conrad who stood his ground in defence and was great at straightening our attack when needed’ Costin said.
The Dolphins got off to a great start, executing the game plan to perfection and putting on two quick tries. Brothers though were relentless as expected with their inspirational leader Kyran Tanuvasa taking a lead role and scoring two individual tries, taking a four-point lead into half time. The second half was an ongoing battle, the Dolphins dominant in the scrums, but punished for any mistake they made by the eager Brothers side chasing their first senior title. With four minutes to go, Brothers seemed to have done enough with a five-point lead and on the attack. The Dolphins defence held though, and in the final minute of the match, it was Noosa’s veteran winger Nat Forrest who put the Dolphins level pegging with a try in the corner; 28-28 leaving a sideline conversion the only thing standing in the Dolphins way f another tolt at the title. With no time left on the clock game, Dolphins fly half Joey Caputo stepped up and landed the perfect conversion – Dolphins 30-28.
In a match where no one let their team down, Jock Hansson and captain Levi Shaw were again strong, and in such a tight pressure game, the leadership and calming influence of Dolphin stalwarts Jake Serex and Nat Forrest was telling.
This weekend sees both the Ray White Noosa A Grade and Reserve Grade sides line up in their respective grand finals with the Dolphins history books awaiting the next chapter. That same history book reminds us that the Dolphins won A grade and Reserve Grade premierships in 1994, 2004, 2014…what will 2024 bring.
This weekend matches at Sunshine Coast University:
11.30 Womens
• Brothers v Nambour
1.30 Reserve Grade
• Noosa v Caloundra
3.30
• Noosa v University
For all the up to date news on the Ray White Noosa Dolphins including the Grand Final Team Announcements, check out the Dolphins Facebook and Instagram pages.
