The NZ Warriors experienced another narrow loss, falling 26-24 to the Dolphins at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. This marks the third defeat in their last four games, with each loss decided by two points against top-tier teams. The Dolphins secured the win with a late try from Selwyn Cobbo, despite the Warriors having taken a seemingly game-winning lead moments earlier. This result echoes a previous encounter at Go Media Stadium last August, where the Dolphins also scored in the final minute to win.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster noted the consistent closeness of games between the two teams, describing the scoreline as a fair reflection of the contest. He acknowledged that while his team fought hard to regain the lead, they lacked clarity in the game’s final moments, allowing the Dolphins to secure their victory. The result places the Warriors in a three-way tie with the Dolphins and Sydney Roosters for second on the competition table, though they maintain an advantage due to a superior points differential.
Key Player Performances
Several Warriors players delivered strong performances despite the loss. Second-rower Kurt Capewell, returning from Origin duties, played the full 80 minutes, contributing a linebreak, a near try, and 44 tackles. Jacob Laban also impressed, leading all tacklers with 59 and scoring a try through his aerial skills. Captain Mitch Barnett made 35 tackles and gained 154 running metres.
Webster praised Laban’s recent form, highlighting his ability to maintain high performance levels even when fatigued. Back-up hooker Sam Healey, on the field for 22 minutes, made three dummy half runs for 33 metres and scored what appeared to be a decisive try. Second-rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava had his longest career outing, entering midway through the first half and staying until the end, including some time in the backs. Webster has identified Ieremia-Toeava as a future 80-minute player known for his fitness.
Among the backs, fullback Taine Tuaupiki ran for a team-high 184 metres, and halfback Te Maire Martin was noted as a standout performer. The Warriors’ best try involved a set play where Martin and Ieremia-Toeava set up wing Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad for his fifth try in two games.
Critical Moments and Injuries
The match featured numerous defensive plays from both sides. In the fourth minute, Dolphins fullback Tabuai Hamiso-Fidow prevented a try from Capewell. Later, a high kick spilled by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak led to Cobbo’s opening score for the Dolphins. Crucial try-saving tackles by Martin and front-rower Tanner Stowers-Smith kept the Warriors in contention.
A significant momentum shift occurred just before halftime. With the Warriors leading 12-10, Dolphins half Brad Schneider’s kick led to Adam Pompey being stripped of the ball by Kodi Nikorima, resulting in a try for Jamayne Isaako. This steal was particularly impactful as the Warriors had previously won their last 17 games when leading at halftime.
The Warriors also faced further injury concerns, with club centurion Watene-Zelezniak leaving the field due to a tight hamstring. Additionally, Pompey was cited for lifting his knees during a running action, an offense for which he has already served a two-week suspension this season. In positive news, front-rower James Fisher-Harris and second-rower Leka Halasima are expected to return, and Healey made his first appearance after recovering from a broken thumb.
Upcoming Fixtures and Team Outlook
The Warriors will benefit from a bye next week, providing an opportunity for injured players to recover before their next outing. This bye will also grant them two competition points, preventing them from losing further ground. The Roosters also have a bye, while the Dolphins and Knights will play without their Origin stars.
Following the bye, the Warriors are scheduled to play the Tigers (away), St George Illawarra Dragons (home), Canterbury Bulldogs (away), and Gold Coast Titans (away). None of these opponents currently hold winning records, though the Bulldogs have shown recent improvement with three consecutive victories. Due to a short turnaround from Origin III, the Warriors are unlikely to have Barnett or Capewell available for the match against the Tigers.
The Dolphins have extended their winning streak to eight games, but may be without star playmaker Isaiyah Katoa for an unspecified period due to a wrist/forearm injury. Their strong Kiwi contingent, including Nikorima and Isaako, is expected to be crucial in maintaining their momentum, especially if Katoa is sidelined for an extended period.
The Dolphins will travel to Newcastle for their next game, which will test their form and depth given potential player absences for Origin. The Cowboys celebrated Jason Tamalolo’s 300th match with a win against the Panthers, snapping a three-game losing streak.
The Sea Eagles secured a victory over the Storm, but their win was marred by a suspected season-ending ACL injury to five-eighth Luke Brooks. Joey Walsh deputised for Brooks in the second half. The Dolphins and Warriors match was played in front of over 40,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium.
The Warriors have had to manage numerous injuries throughout 2026, with players like Jackson Ford, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Leka Halasima, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck having spent time on the sidelines.
The Dolphins‘ left edge has been particularly effective, with their left-side half, edge forward, centre, and winger all scoring in consecutive weeks. Jamayne Isaako’s acrobatic finish not only put his side back in the lead but also brought up 1,500 NRL points for the Kiwi player.
The Warriors will receive two points from their bye next week.
Source: rnz.co.nz
