Nikorima’s agony mars masterclass: Four things learnt in Dolphins’ clinic

While Cleary played and inspired the Panthers to a gritty win against the Bulldogs, his former prodigy - after Katoa began his career in the Penrith system - has shown in 2025 he would one day succeed him on that stage.

‘The Hammer’ answers Walsh challenge

Mere hours earlier, Broncos fullback Reece Walsh appeared to cement the Queensland Maroons’ No.1 jumper, following news incumbent custodian Kalyn Ponga had suffered a Lisfranc injury.

But Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ensured his name remained in the conversation, ahead of coach Billy Slater’s game three selections on Monday morning.

‘The Hammer’ will feature in the Queensland side regardless, but having lined up on the wing and in the centres thus far this series produced a clinic which will keep him in the fullback conversation.

At times, it was simply his support play which impressed - popping up on Katoa’s shoulder, and following through on kicks - but his fourth and final try of the night was him at his best as he latched onto a loose ball, evaded several defenders and streaked away to Suncorp Stadium’s delight.

He finished with four tries, 251 running metres and seven tackle busts in his 100th NRL appearance.

Whether he ousts Walsh for the job could, however, depend on Slater’s confidence in those who may fill his void on the flank - with Murray Taulagi to line up for the Cowboys on Sunday.

Dolphins’ new ‘Mr Fix It’ answers crisis call

This is a Dolphins forward pack that has been decimated, but within the carnage a blessing has emerged in the rise of Kurt Donoghoe.

The Fiji international had jumped into the lock jersey previously worn by Max Plath, but was ultimately shifted to five-eighth when Nikorima succumbed to injury.

But after demonstrating his toughness in the engine room - at one stage playing with a severely broken nose earlier in the season - Donoghoe proved he had the skill set to thrive, firing a cutout pass for Averillo who eventually kicked infield for Tabuai-Fidow to score.

His best moment was saved for last, latching onto an intercept on his own line to streak the length of the field and score.

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The Dolphins are missing the entirety of their first-choice forwards - Max Plath (ACL), Daniel Saifiti, Thomas Flegler (both shoulder) and Tom Gilbert (pectoral) all sidelined for the rest of the campaign.

Felise Kaufusi (knee) is also out for what is expected to be a month, while winger Jack Bostock ruptured his ACL in last week’s defeat to Newcastle.

Yet Donoghoe - who finished with 158 metres and 29 tackles - has been joined by a host of his unheralded teammates in lifting when the team needs them to.

Duncan gives Rabbitohs glimmer of hope

For all the injuries the Rabbitohs have endured this season, Tallis Duncan has proven he will be a hard man to leave out of the team once the inspiration Cameron Murray returns from a ruptured Achilles next year.

The 23-year-old scored a double within two minutes to get his side back in the contest, and regularly looked threatened to edge his nose through the defensive line.