Tupou Shines on Debut as Dolphins Power Past Clydesdales

The scoreboard didn’t reflect the true nature of the game, with last year’s wooden spooners bringing their A-game to Redcliffe.

The Clydesdales pushed the Dolphins to the brink, snatching an early 10-0 lead and loading pressure on their defence, but the class and experience of the Dolphins eventually shone through as they worked their way back into the match.

Former Wests Tigers winger Tupou certainly made his mark in his first game in the red and white, crossing in the 42^nd minute and again in the 64^th.

It was far from a polished performance, but the Dolphins will be happy with their resilience and how they managed the Clydesdales, particularly in the second half.

After the Toowoomba team shot out to their early lead through Heath Gibbs and Luke Rouland, Redcliffe fans experienced an element of déjà vu, when second rower Aublix Tawha repeated his Round 3 antics, scoring the first try to get his side into the game.

From here, the Dolphins improved steadily, with a barnstorming James Walsh spinning out of a tackle to slam the ball on the line right before halftime.

A successful Joshua James conversion saw them take the lead heading into the break and Redcliffe never let it go from there.

Tupou scored his two four-pointers in the second half, with electric fullback Zac Miles joining him, bagging his own double in the 46^th and 76^th.

With the two points, the Dolphins remain safe near the top of the Hostplus Cup ladder.

They will next week head to Townsville to take on the Blackhawks on Saturday, April 12, before the grand final rematch at Bishop Park on Saturday, April 19.

Redcliffe’s next home game will be on Saturday, April 26, against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.