Round 27: Dolphins v Warriors preview
The Dolphins have largely exceeded expectations this season and will look to end their inaugural NRL season on a positive note as they face one of the league's other big surprise packets this year.
The Warriors were tipped to be not much better than the NRL's newest franchise in 2023 but have instead locked in a spot inside the top four for the first time since 2007.
A victory this week, meanwhile, would see the New Zealand-based club seal its first top-three finish in 20 years while also equaling the club's longest winning streak of eight games set back in 2002.
They will have to do it without Tohu Harris though, with the inspiration skipper also in doubt for the finals with a back complaint, while Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Wayde Egan and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak have all been rested.
Ronald Volkman fills in at halfback for Johnson while Dylan Walker has been named captain and presents a ball-playing option at lock in place of the injured Harris.
Taine Tuaupiki and Edward Kosi are the new names in the backline, with the decision to rest Watene-Zelezniak meaning he can no longer finish the NRL's top try scorer.
Other changes see Te Maire Martin make a timely return from a broken leg to replace Luke Metcalf, who injured his hamstring in last week's 18-6 win over the Dragons.
Mitchell Barnett also is back after missing the last fortnight with a laceration to his knee, starting at prop for Fonua-Blake.
The Warriors can't go any higher on the ladder but they could drop down to fourth with a loss if Melbourne defeat Brisbane.
As for the Dolphins, Wayne Bennett's team are on a six-game losing skid after dropping last week's game against North Queensland 34-10. It is the longest losing streak of Bennett's coaching career.
For the most part though the Dolphins have been competitive down the stretch, falling just short without losing any admirers in the process.
Even last week the Dolphins had every right to give up a much bigger score after a Cowboys side with much more to play for ran out 24-0 leaders by halftime.
In team news, Jesse Bromwich returns from a groin injury with Jarrod Wallace going back to the bench while Max Plath joins the interchange in place of the suspended Josh Kerr.
The Warriors ran out big 30-8 winners earlier this year at Go Media Stadium.
Last meeting: Round 14 2023 - Warriors 30 Dolphins 8
Who to watch: Without a whole lot on the line, the battle of wingers Jamayne Isaako and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak shaped as particularly important. With Watene-Zelezniak out though, there is one contender out of the running for the Ken Irvine Medal. Isaako (23) currently leads Alex Johnston and Dominic Young (21), who have a chance to add to their tallies against the Roosters and Dragons respectively. One back on 20 is Mikaele Ravalawa though, who has a habit of scoring tries in bunches. Isaako will be hoping to make history for the Dolphins in their inaugural season. He has already sealed the crown as the league's top points scorer with a 14-point buffer over Melbourne's Nick Meaney, who is being rested this weekend.
Elsewhere for the Warriors, all eyes will be on Te Maire Martin in his long-awaited return from injury. Luke Metcalf had flashed his potential at stages when called upon but with his season now ended through injury, the Warriors will be hoping Martin won't need too long to adjust to playing first grade again. More than anything, he just needs to get through this weekend's game unscathed otherwise Dylan Walker shapes as another option in the halves to partner Johnson in the finals.
Favourite: The Dolphins are slight favourites given the team changes.
My tip: This always felt like a bit of a banana peel game for the Warriors even before the host of changes that were confirmed on Tuesday. Those changes only further point towards this being the perfect chance for the Dolphins to find something back in Queensland to end their inaugural season on a winning note. Dolphins by 8.
