Warriors hold off Dolphins for sixth NRL win of 2026
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Warriors did just enough to defeat the Dolphins in front of a sold out crowd in Wellington in round eigh tof the NRL.
After plenty of points in the first half, in the second, there was only one and it was enough for the Warriors to claim the 20-18 win,
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Wing Alofiana Khan-Pereira scored another try double in just his third game at the club, but fullback Taine Tuaupiki provided the late heroics.
The visitors led 18-4 midway through the first half and were still ahead 18-14 midway through the second, but were on the back foot and could not resist the Warriors' persistence on attack.
Tuaupiki was a constant threat throughout and popped up in the backline to cross for the try that levelled the score, with halfback Tanah Boyd slotting a sideline conversion for the win.
Not to be outdone Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scored his seventh try in four games.
The result puts the Warriors back into second on the NRL table with six wins and two losses, edging Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters on points differential.
Coach Andrew Webster was pleased to win, but felt the game lacked the consistency he wanted.
"I just felt like we weren't going to allow a loss, but we weren't that clinical and intelligent they way we went about it, but there was a lot of heart there in the second half."
The outcome comes at a heavy cost though, with co-captain Mitch Barnett and centre Ali Leiataua both leaving the field with concussion, and Watene-Zelezniak on report for an alleged hipdrop tackle.
Next Saturday, the Warriors visit Parramatta Eels, who are currently 15th on the table.
