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The NZ Warriors will go head-to-head with the Dolphins this Saturday, May 17th, with kickoff at 5pm at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. The game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having a rich history of riveting contests.
A Glance at the Past
The rivalry between the Warriors and the Dolphins is relatively new, given that the Dolphins only entered the competition in 2023. The head-to-head results currently stand at a balanced 2-2. Interestingly, both teams have held their ground on home turf during this period. Therefore, the Warriors are still searching for their maiden win over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
The last meeting between the two sides was a nail-biter, with the Dolphins clinching a 34-32 victory in Brisbane last August. The Warriors trailed by a 20-8 margin at halftime, but managed to level the game at 26-26 and again at 32-32 during the final 15 minutes. Despite some missed opportunities for field goals from both sides, former Warrior Sean O'Sullivan stepped in for the Dolphins and successfully scored from 40 metres out.
Current Form
Following a setback against Melbourne Storm last month, the Warriors have bounced back impressively with four consecutive victories. Their current 7-2 record equals their best-ever start through nine games. A win this week would put them ahead of the 2018 side, albeit they still have a long way to go to surpass the 11-2 start of the 2002 team that secured the minor premiership and reached the Grand Final.
However, the Warriors' recent victories haven't been without their share of drama. They've had to rely on a Golden Point penalty to edge out the Brisbane Broncos, survived a strong finish by the North QLD Morons Cowboys at Magic Round, and managed a late field goal to triumph over the St George Illawarra Dragons. Despite these close calls, the Warriors have demonstrated resilience and will need to continue doing so to consolidate their second spot on the NRL ladder.
On the other hand, the Dolphins' form has been inconsistent. After losing their first four games, they managed three straight wins, including victories over last year's finalists, the Penrith Panthers and the Storm. They then lost two games consecutively before defeating the bottom-of-the-table Parramatta Eels last week. Despite their 13th position on the ladder, they've shown glimpses of their potential and could pose a significant challenge for the Warriors.
The Teams
The Warriors' line-up features the return of co-captain James Fisher-Harris from a chest injury and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from a hamstring issue. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have retained their side from last week's win over the Parramatta Eels.
Players to Watch
Tongan half Isaiya Katoa of the Dolphins is a player to keep an eye on. He leads the competition in line engagements and is a constant threat on attack. Meanwhile, former Warrior Kodi Nikorima is also having one of his better seasons and could pose a significant challenge for the Warriors.
As the Warriors strive for their fifth straight win, all eyes will be on the returning Tuivasa-Sheck. Will his presence be the spark that takes the Warriors' game to the next level? Only time will tell.
A Glance at the Past
The rivalry between the Warriors and the Dolphins is relatively new, given that the Dolphins only entered the competition in 2023. The head-to-head results currently stand at a balanced 2-2. Interestingly, both teams have held their ground on home turf during this period. Therefore, the Warriors are still searching for their maiden win over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
The last meeting between the two sides was a nail-biter, with the Dolphins clinching a 34-32 victory in Brisbane last August. The Warriors trailed by a 20-8 margin at halftime, but managed to level the game at 26-26 and again at 32-32 during the final 15 minutes. Despite some missed opportunities for field goals from both sides, former Warrior Sean O'Sullivan stepped in for the Dolphins and successfully scored from 40 metres out.
Current Form
Following a setback against Melbourne Storm last month, the Warriors have bounced back impressively with four consecutive victories. Their current 7-2 record equals their best-ever start through nine games. A win this week would put them ahead of the 2018 side, albeit they still have a long way to go to surpass the 11-2 start of the 2002 team that secured the minor premiership and reached the Grand Final.
However, the Warriors' recent victories haven't been without their share of drama. They've had to rely on a Golden Point penalty to edge out the Brisbane Broncos, survived a strong finish by the North QLD Morons Cowboys at Magic Round, and managed a late field goal to triumph over the St George Illawarra Dragons. Despite these close calls, the Warriors have demonstrated resilience and will need to continue doing so to consolidate their second spot on the NRL ladder.
On the other hand, the Dolphins' form has been inconsistent. After losing their first four games, they managed three straight wins, including victories over last year's finalists, the Penrith Panthers and the Storm. They then lost two games consecutively before defeating the bottom-of-the-table Parramatta Eels last week. Despite their 13th position on the ladder, they've shown glimpses of their potential and could pose a significant challenge for the Warriors.
The Teams
The Warriors' line-up features the return of co-captain James Fisher-Harris from a chest injury and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from a hamstring issue. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have retained their side from last week's win over the Parramatta Eels.
Players to Watch
Tongan half Isaiya Katoa of the Dolphins is a player to keep an eye on. He leads the competition in line engagements and is a constant threat on attack. Meanwhile, former Warrior Kodi Nikorima is also having one of his better seasons and could pose a significant challenge for the Warriors.
As the Warriors strive for their fifth straight win, all eyes will be on the returning Tuivasa-Sheck. Will his presence be the spark that takes the Warriors' game to the next level? Only time will tell.
