The NZ Warriors experienced another narrow defeat, falling 26-24 to the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium. This result marks their third loss by two points in the past month, with previous close games against the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks. Coach Andrew Webster noted the consistent closeness of matches between the two teams, stating that the scoreline reflected the hard-fought nature of the game.
The Dolphins secured the win with a late try from Selwyn Cobbo, despite the Warriors having scored what appeared to be a game-winning try moments earlier. This finish echoed a previous encounter at Go Media Stadium last August, where the Dolphins also scored in the final minute to win. The last six matches between these two sides have all been decided by four points or less.
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 ability. Captain Mitch Barnett added 154 running metres and 35 tackles.
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, a second-rower, entered the game in the first half and remained on the field for the most minutes of his career, even spending time in the backs. Webster highlighted Ieremia-Toeava’s potential as a future 80-minute player, citing his fitness. Halfback Te Maire Martin was also noted for his strong play, while fullback Taine Tuaupiki ran for a team-high 184 metres.
Hooker Sam Healey, on the field for 22 minutes, made three dummy half runs for 33 metres and scored a try that briefly put the Warriors ahead with four minutes remaining.
Match Turning Moments
The game featured numerous significant defensive plays. Early in the match, Dolphins fullback Tabuai Hamiso-Fidow prevented Capewell from scoring. Moments later, a spilled high kick by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak led to Cobbo opening the scoring for the Dolphins. Martin and front-rower Tanner Stowers-Smith made crucial try-saving tackles.
A pivotal moment occurred just before halftime with the Warriors leading 12-10. After a kick from Dolphins half Brad Schneider, Adam Pompey secured the catch for a seven-tackle set. However, Pompey was stripped of the ball by Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, leading to Jamayne Isaako’s try in the corner, which gave the Dolphins a halftime lead. The Warriors had previously won their last 17 games when leading at halftime, making this concession significant.
The Warriors scored a notable try when a set play saw backs running decoy right, while the ball went left to Martin and Ieremia-Toeava, setting up Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad for his fifth try in two games on the wing.
Injury Concerns and Upcoming Schedule
The Warriors are facing further injury challenges. Watene-Zelezniak left the game with a tight hamstring. Additionally, Pompey was cited for lifting his knees in a running action, an offence for which he has already served a two-week suspension this season. The judiciary’s decision on Pompey’s citation is pending.
The team will have a bye next week, which is expected to provide an opportunity for injured players to recover. James Fisher-Harris and Leka Halasima are anticipated to return, and Healey made his first appearance after missing two weeks with a broken thumb. However, if Watene-Zelezniak and Alofiana Khan-Pereira (quad) are unavailable in two weeks, the team may need to find cover for the wing positions. Reports from Australia suggest the club might sign Luke Lauilii from the Tigers to address outside back needs.
Following their 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 have winning records, though the Bulldogs have shown recent form with three consecutive victories. With a short turnaround from Origin III, the Warriors may be without Barnett or Capewell for the match against the Tigers.
The Dolphins also sustained an injury, with halfback Isaiya Katoa dislocating his wrist in the first half. Coach Kristian Woolf expressed hope that the injury is not long-term. The Dolphins have extended their winning streak to eight games and will face Newcastle next Sunday without their Origin stars.
Source: rnz.co.nz
