In front of another sellout crowd of 23,116, the Warriors, with a severely depleted lineup, pulled off a thrilling 24-20 victory over the Dolphins. This game will undoubtedly go down in Warriors history.
of the lineup, the Warriors put on a show to remember, rallying from a 16–6 deficit to secure a decisive victory.
The most recent instance of a team winning against the odds was the “Baby Warriors” victory over St George Illawarra at Mount Smart in 2016. after that game, the squad was missing ten players up front, including six who stepped down after the controversy surrounding sleeping drugs and energy drinks.
There were many heroes. In the second half, Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita excelled, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was a source of encouragement at fullback. Moala Graham-Taufa, a centre, made a brave debut. Additionally, the forwards never stopped working, and Marata Niukore’s comeback had a significant effect.
There was a sense that the Warriors were up for the challenge, with a point to prove and an enthusiasm that hasn’t always been there this season, despite the Dolphins scoring three tries in the first 25 minutes of play.
The Warriors have lost Shaun Johnson, Tohu Harris, Wayde Egan, Addin Fonua-Blake, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (sickness) on Saturday. Taine Tuaupiki (wife awaiting) was also lost.
It required a significant lineup change, with Watene-Zelezniak moving to fullback. Though he had just once played at the back since May 2021, he had spent over a quarter of his NRL career there (42 games). After making just one appearance for the Roosters in 2021, Graham-Taufa (22) moved onto center field for just his second first-grade match. Ed Kosi was moved to the wing.
Under the conditions, the home team needed to get out to a fast start, but that didn’t happen as Jamayne Isaako’s try in the fifth minute was an incredible finish that came about after a mistake by the Warriors.
The Warriors were primarily hit in their own half for the remainder of the quarter, as the Brisbane team controlled with nearly perfect percentage football. The home team played some excellent defense, highlighted by a last-ditch stop by Herbie Farnworth, so it came as no surprise when the Dolphins increased their lead when Farnworth cut back against the grain.
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