Former Queensland and Australian representative Brent Tate has talked about his special affection for the NRL’s newest club the Dolphins.
“It (my football journey) started out at Redcliffe at the Dolphins, seeing where they are today it’s obviously very exciting, it’s funny now that they’re in the NRL and I’ve watched them, they’re firmly entrenched in the heart,” Tate told SEN1170 Breakfast.
“I can’t help but barrack for them, I’ve loved watching them, the journey that they’ve had and to see them in the NRL now it’s so good, it’s awesome.
“I think that the start that they’ve had and the way they’ve played and gone about their footy, I think they’ve won the hearts of a lot of people that are on the fence with rugby league and they’ve watched the Dolphins, watched how they’ve gone about their business, it’s captured the heart of the rugby league world.”
Not only have the Dolphins captured the hearts of many, but also Tate’s despite him played 114 games for the Brisbane Broncos on top of his time at the Dolphins as a junior.
Tate has full confidence that his former coach Wayne Bennett can get the Dolphins prepared for their biggest match yet.
“Obviously, it’s a huge clash against Brisbane, it’s going to be their biggest test so far because I think Brisbane are obviously flying at the moment. It’s a big test for them but one thing Wayne will do is he’ll get them up for it and he’ll have them ready for it and y’know 50,000 people at Suncorp Stadium, that place will be pumping, it’d be unbelievable to play at," Tate added.
It’s going to be a State of Origin style atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium and it’s one of the most anticipated home and away games of all time.
The Dolphins are expecting a sell-out and Suncorp Stadium hasn’t hosted 50,000 plus fans in an NRL game since the Broncos they hosted the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in 2016.
Despite having Wayne Bennett in their corner at the ground he has done so well at, Tate has put his heart to the side and tipped with his head.
“I think the Broncos have got too much fire power, they’re going to be too strong, I think they’ll win by 12," he added.
The Dolphins host the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night in the inaugural ‘Battle for Brisbane’.