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New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL Finals Tips & Prediction - Another close contest looms in blockbuster qualifying final
The NRL finals clash between New Zealand Warriors and Dolphins promises high drama, with both teams in strong form and their last six meetings all decided by four points or less. The Warriors have home advantage and forward strength, while the Dolphins carry a record streak and a dynamic backline, making them a value bet at +4.5. Look for Herbie Farnworth and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad as key anytime tryscorers. With both teams enjoying impressive winning momentum, expect another close contest and a match-down to the wire.
- New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins predictions for Saturday's NRL Qualifying Final
- H2H couldn't be closer - locked at 4-4, with last six meetings decided by four points or less
- Dolphins favoured with +4.5 start, Herbie & CNK backed for tries
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 4.05pm AEST on Saturday September 12
New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL Finals Tips & Prediction
The last six meetings between the Warriors and Dolphins have been decided by four points or less and another tight game is in prospect for Saturday's first qualifying final, with the Phins also backed to cover a +4.5 line and Herbie Farnworth/Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad tipped as Anytime Tryscorers.
The stage is set for a cracking contest at Go Media Stadium as the Warriors and Dolphins collide for the chance to earn a week off and a spot in the preliminary finals. Both sides are three wins away from a historic premiership triumph and will leave nothing left in the tank here.
It's a fantastic matchup. The Warriors probably have the edge in the forwards and have home ground advantage, but the Dolphins are equipped with the most dangerous backline in the competition and also have a bit more spark in the halves.
Both teams also carry huge winning momentum into the finals, with the Dolphins aiming for a club record eight consecutive victories, while the Wahs are on a six-game winning streak, averaging 39 points per game during that period.
It's so tough to split these sides, which brings the Either Team 1-12 and Dolphins +4.5 start into play.
Herbie Farnworth has a great tryscoring record against the Warriors and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is thriving in the wing spot left vacated by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - both look like big threats out wide.
Warriors vs Dolphins Stats & Trends
- The last six meetings have been decided by four points or less
- Dolphins have covered a +4.5 line in seven of the eight previous meetings
- Dolphins are on a seven-game winning streak
- Herbie Farnworth has scored 1+ try in his last four appearances vs Warriors
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has scored four tries in his last three games & crossed vs Phins earlier this year
- The Warriors right winger has scored three tries in the last three games against Dolphins
Warriors vs Dolphins Head To Head
The H2H couldn't really be any closer, locked at 4-4 coming into this finals showdown, with the last three decided by exactly two points.
| Year | Winner | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Dolphins | 26–24 | Suncorp Stadium |
| 2026 | Warriors | 20–18 | Hnry |
| 2025 | Dolphins | 20–18 | Go Media Stadium |
| 2025 | Warriors | 16–12 | Suncorp Stadium |
| 2024 | Dolphins | 34–32 | Suncorp Stadium |
| 2024 | Warriors | 24–20 | Go Media Stadium |
| 2023 | Dolphins | 34–10 | Suncorp Stadium |
| 2023 | Warriors | 30–8 | Go Media Stadium |
New Zealand Warriors Form Analysis
Another stellar campaign for the Warriors, who only just missed out on the minor premiership in the final round of the regular season.
Despite various injuries and setbacks, most notably in the halves, the Warriors continue to flourish and come into this clash on a six-game winning run.
The Wahs have been humming in attack, scoring an average of 39 points since Round 22.
However, Andrew Webster will want to put an added emphasis on defence for this one after his side conceded 30 points against Manly last week and were exposed on the edges.
Dolphins Form Analysis
Huge season for the Dolphins, who come into the finals having won 15 of their last 17 games.
Slow starts have also been an issue for the Phins all season, but they repeatedly find a way back into games.
No secret that the Phins are absolutely blistering in attack, but they will have to tighten up their defence if they want to win a maiden NRL premiership - as it stands, they are looking to become the first team in history to concede 50+ points during the regular season and win a Grand Final.
In fact, the Phins leaked 50+ points twice, including a 66-0 whitewash vs the Sharkies.
But Kristian Woolfe's side responded brilliantly from that setback, compiling a seven-match winning run - including a brilliant 26-12 win over the Roosters a fortnight ago.
Slow starts have also been an issue for the Phins all season, but they repeatedly find a way back into games.
New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins Team News
Some big ins for the Warriors, with Leka Halasima, Wayde Egan, Kurt Capewell and Jackson Ford all returning for this one - but tryscoring winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak remains sidelined due to a collarbone injury.
The Phins are at full-strength, with Selwyn Cobbo (ankle), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (knee) and Kodi Nikorima (hamstring) all coming back into the side.
| Warriors | Position | Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
| Taine Tuaupiki | 1 | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow |
| Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | 2 | Jamayne Isaako |
| Ali Leiataua | 3 | Jack Bostock |
| Leka Halasima | 4 | Herbie Farnworth |
| Alofiana Khan-Pereira | 5 | Selwyn Cobbo |
| Chanel Harris-Tavita | 6 | Kodi Nikorima |
| Te Maire Martin | 7 | Isaiya Katoa |
| James Fisher-Harris | 8 | Thomas Flegler |
| Wayde Egan | 9 | Jeremy Marshall-King |
| Mitchell Barnett | 10 | Tom Gilbert |
| Kurt Capewell | 11 | Max Plath |
| Jacob Laban | 12 | Kulikefu Finefeuiaki |
| Erin Clark | 13 | Morgan Knowles |
| Sam Healey | 14 | Kurt Donoghoe |
| Tanner Stowers-Smith | 15 | Ray Stone |
| Demitric Vaimauga | 16 | Francis Molo |
| Jackson Ford | 17 | Connelly Lemuelu |
| Eddie Ieremia-Toeava | 18 | Felise Kaufusi |
| Adam Pompey | 20 / 19 | Bradley Schneider |
Verdict
Another close game is expected between these two sides, with the Dolphins holding value with a +4.5 start. Herbie & CNK backed for tries.
Either Team 1-12
Margin
$1.72 - 3 Units
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Dolphins +4.5
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$1.90 - 2 Units
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Herbie Farnworth
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