Backlash was swift, as Brazilians and Australians alike slammed the ‘disrespectful’ treatment of the cultural ceremony.
League greats were fearful the Dolphins had been dealt an early blow as Isaiya Katoa pulled up lame after a fierce tackle.
If scandals and controversy were the season’s underbelly, on field the action was compelling.
The Roosters superstar will bring up a half-century of NRLW appearances in the preliminary final against Canberra on Saturday. A fifth career premiership would provide a fairytale ending.
Other sports have recognised that a one-match ban can be a disproportionately severe punishment depending on the match in which it is served. The problem is easily solved.
Dolphins CEO Terry Reader discusses his club's journey to a maiden preliminary final.
Darren Lockyer analyses how the Dolphins could overcome a red-hot Roosters outfit.
The passionate Dolphins fans show they're no longer the little cousin of the Broncos.
Tony Popovic’s Socceroos are stepping out for the first time since the World Cup to take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil in Townsville. Follow all the action.
A club with deep working-class roots forced to do it the hard way by the league, Fremantle have always done things differently.