Dolphins boss 'couldn't be happier' after Broncos demoted in telling move from NRL officials

Dolphins CEO Terry Reader has expressed his delight that the NRL has recognised the club's meteoric rise by putting them in more prime-time spots at the expense of cross-town rivals Brisbane. The Broncos have traditionally been the darlings of prime-time NRL coverage and are often featured in the most fan-friendly spots on Channel 9.

But the Dolphins are becoming as big a drawcard as the Broncos in Queensland, and the NRL is taking notice. As well as demoting the Broncos from Friday night to Sunday afternoon for Magic Round in 2025, the NRL has given the Dolphins 12 games on Channel 9 next season (just one fewer than the Broncos).

One of those will be in the prime-time Friday night spot for Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium against the Roosters, marking the first time in the concept's six-year history the Broncos won't be in that time-slot. It serves as remarkable recognition of the Dolphins' progress in what will be just their third season in the NRL.

Seven of the Dolphins' home games will be at Suncorp Stadium on free-to-air TV on Thursday or Friday night in prime-time. NRL bosses have clearly recognised he pulling power of the Dolphins, and the 'Battle of Brisbane' at Suncorp against the Broncos is now the premium derby in the schedule.

Dolphins CEO 'couldn't be happier' with NRL recognition

Speaking to AAP this week, Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said: "We had a challenging draw last year from a scheduling point of view, but this year we couldn't be happier. The draw we have is going to be fantastic for our members and fans to get along to some of our biggest games in the league.

"It is an exciting start with five of our first seven games at home including several blockbusters. For the first time we host Penrith at Suncorp Stadium (in round six). We have a Good Friday clash with the Storm and we don't have to wait long for the Battle of Brisbane, which is our home game in round four, not to forget welcoming Wayne (Bennett) back to Suncorp in round one when we line up against South Sydney."

Reader described the Dolphins being handed the Friday night spot for Magic Round as a "wonderful endorsement". He added: "We have a history and heritage with the Roosters through Artie with the man of the match awarded the Arthur Beetson Medal. Fus (Felise Kaufusi) won it in the first year and let's hope he is at his devastating best in Magic Round."

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Dolphins confident in playing roster for 2025

Bennett has moved back to South Sydney for 2025, but said at the club's presentation night the Dolphins would become a great club in the years ahead. As well as boasting superstar internationals Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth and Isaiya Katoa, the Dolphins will also welcome Tom Gilbert back in 2025 and hope Thomas Flegler will join him.

"The club is very confident with where we sit with our roster," Reader said. "We will hopefully get our two Toms back next year and we have added Daniel Saifiti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Junior Tupou and Max Feagai.

"We are very happy with our squad and under (new coach) Kristian Woolf we will have a team that will be competitive and never give up. That's been a trademark of the Dolphins since we started and nothing is going to change."

Gilbert ruptured his ACL in 2024 but is targeting a return in round one against the Roosters. Flegler has battled a shoulder problem that threatens to end his career at just 25, but there's renewed hope he'll be back.

with AAP