Match Preview: Qualifying Final – Dolphins v Warriors

Seven games. Nothing more than four points between them. Now, a place in the preliminary final is on the line.

Since May 2024, every meeting between the Dolphins and Warriors has been decided by either two or four points, and this Saturday the rivalry enters new territory as the Dolphins make their first-ever NRL finals appearance.

The Dolphins head across the Tasman riding seven consecutive victories and carrying plenty of momentum into their qualifying final against the Warriors at Go Media Stadium.

With the winner earning a week off and progressing directly to a home preliminary final, there is more at stake than ever.

The two sides have already met twice in 2026, splitting the honours with one win apiece.

The first came in Round 8 in Wellington, where the Warriors edged out the Dolphins 20–18 in a two-point thriller.

It was a different story when the Warriors travelled to Suncorp Stadium in Round 17, with the Dolphins turning the tables to claim a 26–24 victory.

Jamayne Isaako also enters the clash within reach of another milestone, requiring 12 points to become just the fourth player in premiership history to score 300 points in a season.

Team News

Dolphins

Selwyn Cobbo returns to the wing after missing last week’s final regular-season clash, while Kodi Nikorima slots back into the number six jersey after being rested for Round 27 against the Titans.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns to the starting side in the second row after being a late withdrawal last week.

Connelly Lemuelu has been named on the interchange bench, while Felise Kaufusi is listed as 18th man.

Jake Averillo, Brian Pouniu and Tevita Naufahu move back to the extended squad

Warriors

The Warriors have received a boost with Jackson Ford named to make his first appearance since Round 16 after recovering from a pectoral injury.

Centre Leka Halasima returns from an ankle injury, while Wayde Egan and Kurt Capewell are also back in the side after being rested last week.

Sam Healey, Adam Pompey and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava move to the extended interchange, with Jett Cleary and Luke Laulilii also included in the extended squad.

Match-Up

James Fisher-Harris v Thomas Flegler

Two powerhouse props. Two different jobs. One massive finals battle.

James Fisher-Harris and Thomas Flegler will collide in the middle in a match-up built for the occasion, with both forwards capable of setting the tone for their side.

A multiple premiership winner, Fisher-Harris knows exactly what finals football demands. The Warriors captain will look to lead from the front, running hard through the middle and challenging the Dolphins’ defensive line with every carry.

For Flegler, the occasion carries a different meaning. After spending an extended period on the sidelines, the Dolphins prop has the opportunity to make his presence felt when it matters most, bringing the physicality and defensive intent that has become crucial to the Dolphins’ run into September.

While Fisher-Harris will look to generate momentum through the middle, Flegler’s job will be to shut it down.

The Dolphins have plenty of strike power in their outside backs to generate metres with the ball, allowing their forwards to conserve valuable energy for the defensive battle through the middle.

That makes stopping Fisher-Harris and the Warriors’ powerful forward pack a key assignment.

One will be looking to lead through his carries. The other will be waiting to meet him.

It’s a heavyweight battle made for finals football.