The Dolphins’ NRLQ 21s season has come to a heartbreaking end, falling just short against the Cowboys 24-22 in a thrilling Grand Final at Kayo Stadium.
The Cowboys made a fast start, crossing in the 7th and 15th minutes to put the Dolphins on the back foot early.
The Dolphins responded in the 21st minute through a sharp attacking play from halfback Noah Fien. Breaking through the Cowboys’ defensive line, Fien found fullback Adaquix Watts-Luke in support, who finished the play to put the Dolphins on the board.
The Cowboys struck again in the 28th minute, sending the Dolphins into the sheds trailing 16-6 at halftime.
The Dolphins came out firing in the second half, finding momentum through strong carries and hard running through the middle.
Their pressure paid off in the 51st minute when the ball was shifted wide to winger Tyreece Tait, who crossed for the Dolphins’ second try and cut into the Cowboys’ lead.
The Dolphins continued to build, with prop Cody Starr powering his way over in the 59th minute to bring his side right back into the contest.
However, the Cowboys responded, crossing in the 65th minute to push their advantage back out.
With the game on the line, the Dolphins refused to go away.
Brooklyn Sabine found his way through the Cowboys’ defence late in the contest, bringing the Dolphins within two points and setting up a thrilling finish at Kayo Stadium.
The Dolphins threw everything at the Cowboys in the closing stages, searching for the match-winning points, but the Cowboys’ defence held firm to secure the 24-22 victory.
Despite falling agonisingly short of back-to-back NRLQ titles, the Dolphins finish their 2026 campaign after an impressive season that saw the side earn its place in the Grand Final for the second consecutive year.
