Match Preview: Round 8 – Dolphins v Warriors
The Dolphins head across the Tasman this Saturday for an ANZAC Round showdown with the Warriors in Wellington, looking to secure their third win of the season.
The Dolphins arrive with a point to prove after last week’s defeat, while the Warriors carry momentum into the clash following a strong win at home.
In front of a packed-out Hnry Stadium, the Dolphins will be determined to make another statement in New Zealand.
The last time these two sides met, it produced one of the most dramatic finishes in Dolphins history.
In Auckland last season, the Dolphins claimed a thrilling 20-18 victory over the Warriors, their first win over the club since entering the competition in 2023.
With the scores tight late in the contest, the Dolphins turned down the opportunity to level the game with a two-point penalty goal and instead backed themselves to attack. Shifting the ball from side to side, they found their moment through Jamayne Isaako, who sliced through in the 78th minute to score the match-winner. The Dolphins also played out that try with a player in the sin bin.
That match also marked a bittersweet moment for Herbie Farnworth. Despite suffering an injury after just 18 minutes, the centre still produced a remarkable performance, finishing with a try, three line breaks, six tackle breaks and 110 running metres before leaving the field. It proved to be his final appearance of the 2025 NRL season.
Team News
Dolphins
The Dolphins have made key changes ahead of their ANZAC Round clash, with Brad Schneider named to wear the No.6 jersey in Wellington.
Kodi Nikorima’s suspension has triggered a reshuffle, with Schneider stepping into the five-eighth role.
Up front, Francis Molo comes into the starting side in the No.10 jersey, while Trai Fuller shifts to the interchange bench.
Warriors
The Warriors have also been forced into change, with Taine Tuaupiki returning at fullback.
He replaces Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who is sidelined after suffering a neck injury last week.
Match-Up
Kurt Capewell v Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Experience meets rising power in the back row, with veteran Kurt Capewell lining up against one of the Dolphins’ most exciting young forwards, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
Capewell brings a wealth of experience into the contest, with over a decade in the NRL and 13 appearances for Queensland. While he has featured just twice for the Warriors so far this season, he has already made his presence felt, crossing for a try. Across the 2025 season, Capewell maintained an 85% tackle efficiency and averaged 77 running metres per game, highlighting his reliability on both sides of the ball.
On the other edge, Finefeuiaki continues to emerge as a genuine force in the competition. In just his fourth NRL season, the young back-rower has made a strong start to 2026, playing six games and scoring two tries. His defensive output has been just as impressive, racking up 208 tackles at 93% efficiency, while averaging a powerful 185 running metres per game.
With Capewell’s experience and game awareness going head-to-head with Finefeuiaki’s energy, physicality and form, this edge battle shapes as one to watch in Wellington.
