Round 22: Warriors v Dolphins preview
With reputation and a spot in the 8 on the line, both the Warriors and Dolphins have something to prove to the fans and league alike.
The Warriors have been virtually unstoppable at home this season, but the bottom placed Titans handed them their third loss at home 16-24. No one in Australia witnessed the Warriors getting dismantled as the country was a bit busy listening to their radios instead. The Warriors need some better discipline and reads on their opponents attack if they want to stop or at least limit the amount of points the Dolphins will score against. The Warriors will want the win at home, but it will be hard fought with three of their most experienced players, including their captain, ruled out of the match.
The Dolphins had their second bye in four rounds after winning against the Cowboys by 19 points the week before. They prepare for the home stretch of the season with a must win match if they want to play their first finals series. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returned in stunning fashion after his Origin efforts with two tries and four tackle breaks. The team played well in attack, but especially defence when the Cowboys were near the try line. Beloved prop Francis Molo will play his 150th NRL game.
For the Wahs, Te Maire Martin comes off the bench to take over from Chanel Harris-Tavita at five-eighth and Demitric Vaimauga also comes off the bench to start in place of James Fisher-Harris - both players sidelined with a calf injury. Kurt Capewell will take over as captain. Wayde Egan is following concussion protocols so Sam Healey starts at hooker. Freddy Lussick joins the bench on his return from an ankle injury, alongside Taine Tauapiki.
The Dolphins have three big additions to their team with five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, prop Felise Kaufusi and forward Mark Nicholls all named for this week. Tevita Naufahu goes to the reserves so that Jake Averillo can go to the wing after filling in at five-eighth last match. Harrison Graham and Peter Hola make way on the bench to accommodate Nicholls and Aublix Tawha.
Last meeting: Round 11 2025 - Dolphins 12 Warriors 16
Who to watch: With two tries in his last match, Jake Averillo is most definitely one to watch. He has demanded attention on the field all season playing wherever he is needed. With 13 runs adding up to 196 metres while playing at five-eighth, Averillo will be dangerous on the wing this week. According to the Dolphins website, he has not been named to start on the wing this season, so it will be interesting to see how he is incorporated in attack and what role he will play this week.
With the Warriors spine for finals not locked in, Te Maire Martin has plenty to play for. Starting at five-eighth this week gives him the opportunity to show Webster that he is worthy of a starting spot in the side come September. With the Dolphins' track record for knocking over top 8 teams this season, Martin faces the perfect test. By linking up with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Martin can open up his teams attack and put real pressure on the Dolphins' defence. Martin isn't too bad at defence himself, making 46 tackles last week - the second most in the team - so it will be interesting to see if he can maintain his individual defensive pressure.
Favourite: The Dolphins are favourites for the match across the ditch.
My tip: I am really torn because the Dolphins had their big win over the Cowboys and the Warriors lost at home to the Titans so it really could be anyone's game - the Warriors have won both matches at home against the Dolphins - but I think the Phins will get it done thanks to some of their superstars coming back. Dolphins by 12.
