Dolphins stage finals comeback to stun Warriors 26-16
Dolphins rallied from eight points down to beat the Warriors 26-16 and secure a home preliminary final.
The Warriors appeared destined for victory when they led 16-8 with 20 minutes left, but the Dolphins have become comeback specialists in 2026. Strike centre Herbie Farnworth ignited the turnaround, dancing through Warriors defence to score the crucial try.
A 90-metre movement started and finished by Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow set up Farnworth to put the Dolphins ahead 20-16. Centre Jack Bostock iced the victory with a ball steal and try, securing the Dolphins a home preliminary final.
A sold-out crowd of 26,131 at Mt Smart Stadium was silenced in the final 20 minutes by a Dolphins side that refused to be beaten. The Warriors now face Newcastle in a semi-final next week.
- Dolphins 26 Warriors 16
- Final score
- 26,131 at Mt Smart Stadium
- Crowd
- 16-8 with 20 minutes left
- Warriors lead before comeback
Why it mattersThe Dolphins secure a home finals advantage and move one step closer to a maiden premiership. The Warriors' collapse raises questions about mental toughness when victory appeared certain.
AustraliaThis is a heavyweight NRL clash involving Australian sides fighting for a shot at the grand final.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 d ago
