And that'll do me! Thanks for stopping by, be sure to tune back in tomorrow and every match day from now until the end of the season cause the ABC will be blogging every single NRL game in 2025.

Take it easy. 

What a performance from Shibasaki, who finished with two tries, 174 metres, three line breaks and nine tackle busts. He's a worthy winner of the Battle Medal as man of the match out there tonight. 

"Madge has had a big part of it, especially with my preparation," Shibasaki said. 

"I don't need to worry about the outside noise, I just need to worry about me." 

After debuting with Brisbane back in 2018, where he played 13 matches over the next 12 months, Shibasaki had short stints with North Queensland, Newcastle, South Sydney and the Tokatsu Green Rockets in Japanese rugby. 

He played with Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup last year, apart from a brief stint with the Rabbitohs, and linked with Brisbane on a train-and-trial deal over the summer.

What a success story he's been so far in 2025. I've seen him play a lot over the years and I must admit, I didn't think he had this kind of form in him.

Michael Maguire praises his side's maturity and toughness in winning the game in such bad conditions. 

"They fought hard, the boys. Our middles are working hard for our edges and vice versa," said Maguire. 

"That's what the boys are building now and we just have to stay at it."

Maguire praises the work ethic of Gehamat Shibasaki, who won the Battle Medal as man of the match.  

"Day one, I wasn't quite sure. I sat down with him and you could hear what he wanted to do," said Maguire.

"He got himself in shape to play at this level. He really committed. 

"He left his family up north and he wanted to take the opportunity. 

"He's been around a lot of the boys in the past and he probably wanted to be a part of it." 

 Brisbane's centre Gehamat Shibasaki fired in a man of the match display to consign the Dolphins to a dreaded 0-4 start to the year in a 20-12 win at Suncorp Stadium.

Shibasaki's career was in limbo before the start of the season when he was put on a development contract at the Broncos.

The NRL journeyman, who has had four clubs and a stint in Japanese rugby, scored two tries in another sensational display to give the Broncos a 3-1 start to the season in front of a sold-out crowd in the "Battle of Brisbane". He was also the winner of the "Battle Medal".

Fellow centre Kotoni Staggs, famous for his match-winning try in the inaugural Battle of Brisbane in 2023, scored a crucial individual try on the cusp of half-time in a typically blockbusting display.

The Dolphins had a crucial call go against them in the first half when half Isaiya Katoa appeared to secure a 40/20 when the Broncos led 10-6.

Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo was clearly over the sideline when he tapped the ball back in-field. The Broncos scored up the other end minutes later through Staggs.

Broncos back-rower Jordan Riki was put on report for a shoulder to the head of Dolphins winger Jack Bostock, who left the field for an HIA on the cusp of half-time. Riki was fortunate not to be sent to the sin bin.

Those moments aside, the Broncos were the better side and deserved their win on a rainy Brisbane night.

The Dolphins failed to take their chances and were far too slow while in possession despite the best efforts of centre Herbie Farnworth, who was his side's best.

No side in premiership history apart from Newtown in 1933 has won a title after losing the opening four games of a season.

The hosts played their most up-tempo football of the year in the first 12 minutes but couldn't crack the Broncos' defence

Brisbane duo Reece Walsh and Staggs held up centre Farnworth with desperation.

The Broncos absorbed the pressure and with one chance put the knife in.

Five-eighth Ben Hunt delayed a pass perfectly to send second-rower Jack Gosiewski through a hole and Shibasaki finished it off.

Hooker Cory Paix took advantage of dreadful marker defence to make it 10-0 after 15 minutes.

Katoa conjured a response by straightening up the attack and forward Max Plath dived over under the sticks.

Staggs, returning from a hip-flexor injury, did it all himself with a blockbusting run. He pointed at the turf with both hands to signal that Suncorp Stadium belonged to the Broncos.

Brisbane's 16-6 lead at halftime was extended after the break when Walsh put Shibasaki over for his second.

Dolphins centre Jake Averillo scored a 90m try after a quiet night to keep the scores close.

AAP

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf and captain Tom Gilbert are speaking now. 

"We certainly put ourselves under a bit of pressure. What I was disappointed with was whenever the game got into it's cycles it turned out to be us who made an error or a defensive mistake," said Woolf.

"Says they're making too many errors, especially early in sets."

Gilbert says the issue is a lack of attention to detail and they're getting closer to a win.

"We are getting closer, but we're also making the same mistakes," said Gilbert.  

"Our intensity and physicality has been good. We have to fix a few things."

There's a question about Tabuai-Fidow playing with an injury and Woolf defends him and says he's been happy with the fullback's effort. 

Woolf also says Frank Molo is still a few weeks away from coming into the team given he hasn't trained with a team in a long time. 

He reiterates there have been no discussions with Daly Cherry-Evans at this point and doesn't want to make any more comment on next season. 

Brisbane claim the honours in the Olympic City in atrocious conditions. They had to earn that the hard way. 

The Phins get a penalty for a high shot and go back on the attack. Is there time for a miracle? 

No, because Nikorima went down a blindside and got hustled over the sideline. 

A couple of Broncos turn their back on a kick chase and Averillo takes advantage, going round the outside and taking it 90 metres to score. It's been a tough night for Averillo, but that's a highlight. 

Isaako converts and it's 20-12 Brisbane with three minutes left. 

Some enterprising offloading gets the Phins moving and Brisbane get done for back-to-back six agains once they get into the red zone. 

But their attack can't get it together and Nikorima throws a short ball that Farnworth puts down. 

After a series of set-for-set battles, Walters goes for a 40/20 that Tabuai-Fidow saves only for Walters to force an error on Isaako a few tackles later, hitting right under the ball. A try here could really break things open. 

And they have! A really nice sweep to the left and Walsh releases Shibasaki who cruises over for his second. 

Reynolds kick is wide, Brisbane lead 20-6.