Dolphins retain Stan Joyce Cup with win over Hunters

The Redcliffe Dolphins will retain the Stan Joyce Cup in 2022 having defeated a fast-finishing Hunters side 30-16 in miserable conditions in Round 9 of Hostplus Cup.

The Dolphins were animated from the kick-off, capitalising on a Hunters’ forward pass and ruck infringement in the opening sets to camp themselves on the Hunters' try line.

The Hunters were defending well until Dolphins hooker Sheldon Pitama spied some space around the ruck and slid over in the slippery conditions to give the Dolphins a four-point lead.

The Hunters would respond immediately, working upfield from the kick-off thanks to a relieving penalty before punching through the Dolphins' middle to set up for a right edge shift. Hunters halfback Jamie Mavoko would provide the deft grubber for Rodrick Tai on the last tackle to bring the scores to 6-4.

After a fast start, the game settled into a grind with poor ball control and ill discipline helping both teams get out of their own end and mount an attack.

It was the Dolphins who would adapt best to the wet conditions, however, with Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller impressing with a 50-metre run out of his own end before diving on a clever kick back in behind the ruck in the 18th minute to score under the posts.

New Zealand Warriors-contracted outside back Edward Kosi was next to trouble the scoreboard, crossing on either side of half-time thanks to some smooth backline movements down the Dolphins' right edge before Cody Hunter scored in the 60th minute to give the Dolphins a 20-point lead.

The Hunters showed great intent and energy to keep turning up in the horrid conditions and weren’t short of scoring opportunities themselves throughout the match. A desperate Redcliffe defensive unit held firm for the most part, until two quick tries inside the final ten minutes saw PNG finish the game encouragingly.