NRL
  • Home
  • NRL

New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL Round 22 Tips - Dolphins slice through the wounded Warriors

jeremy-darke
Editor
Last updated: Tue 29 Jul 2025 14:54

In the upcoming NRL 2025 Round 22 clash, the New Zealand Warriors face a tough challenge against the Dolphins as injuries plague their squad. Key players like James Fisher-Harris and Luke Metcalf are sidelined, jeopardizing their top-four hopes. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, rejuvenated after a bye week, are poised for a historical finals berth with a high-scoring offense. Expect an electrifying performance from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, targeting multiple tries. The Dolphins are favored to win, with predictions indicating they will score over 22.5 points.

Jeremy Darke 29 Jul 2025
Share this article
Or copy link
  • New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins expert predictions for Friday’s Round 22 NRL game
  • Kick off is at 6:00 PM (AEST) at Go Media Stadium
  • The Warriors struggle with injuries, risking their top-four spot.
  • Dolphins aim for historical finals with strong attacking form.
New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL Round 22 Tips

New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins, Round 22 2025 - Expert Prediction


The Warriors season is imploding due to injury and the Phins will be up in their trip over the Tasman, winning in New Zealand for the first time.
Warriors vs Dolphins Rd22 Cheat Sheet
Download PDF

The Warriors were looking like true premiership contenders just two short months ago, however, three losses from their lat 5 matches and a growing injury list that has some of their big names like James Fisher-Harris and the well-publicised Luke Metcalf on the bench, not only is their top four spot in jeopardy, but if they don’t muster some wins they just may drop out of the eight. 

The Phins are at the other end, getting a few of their stars back after their bye week and will now be eyeing off a shot to secure their first finals berth in the club’s history. The Phins attack has been electric from all over the field averaging 40+ points per game in their last 7 matches and will look to bounce on the new combinations in the tattered Warriors defensive line.

Expect the Phins attack to pile up a score, clearing the 22.5-point team total and covering the 2.5 points as the favourite. If there are tries then you can bet your bottom dollar that the Hammer will get one or two, so back Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as an anytime try scorer or even multi try scorer in this match. 

  • The Warriors have lost 3 of their last 4 matches at GoMedia Stadium.
  • Dolphins's defence is ranked 2nd vs New Zealand Warriors's Efficiency Inside 20m ranked 14th
  • The Dolphins have averaged 40.42 points scored in their last 7 matches.
  • Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored 10 tries in his last 5 games.

Head to Head 


The Warriors won a close one back in Round 11 this season beating the Dolphins 16-12 at Suncorp Stadium. That win gave New Zealand the lead in the head-to-head battle 3-2.

4 of the 5 matches played between the Dolphins and Warriors have gone under the game total.

New Zealand Warriors Form Analysis


The Warriors have been fighting hard to keep their place in the top tier of team in the NRL, however, injury has become their worst nightmare at the moment and a reality check has hit the Kiwi side after going down to the Gold Coast Titans last weekend
 at home. 

They allowed a poor Titans side to control the match, losing the possession 54%-46% and the territory 53%-47% which proves to me that they are really missing the stability and kicking game of Luke Metcalf. With Chanel Harris-Tavita also sidelined, the Warriors are going to struggle to win the field position battle. 

Also with Wayde Egan and James Fisher-Harris missing it is only going to make things harder for the Warriors who will not see many scoring chances. With a new halves combination the flat attack without Metcalf will ultimately hurt them once again, just as it did against the Titans.

New Zealand Warriors Team News


Chanel Harris-Tavita, Wayde Egan and James Fisher-Harris are all out this week making their injury list their biggest enemy as they fight to stay in the top four.

Te Maire Martin will partner Tanah Boyd in the halves and Sam Healey will start at hooker and Demitric Vaimaug will start at prop.

Taine Tuaupiki and Freddy Lussick join the bench.

New Zealand Warriors Team List


1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey 
4. Kurt Capewell 
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Tanah Boyd 
8. Demitric Vaimauga
9. Sam Healey
10. Jackson Ford  
11. Leka Halasima 
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark

Interchange
14. Taine Tuaupiki
15. Jacob Laban 
16. Freddy Lussick
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

Reserves
18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
20. Bunty Afoa 
21. Edward Kosi
22. Kalani Going
23. Makaia Tafua

Dolphins Form Analysis


The Dolphins are fresh off the bye and will welcome back a plethora of new faces that will see them find more stability in both defence and attack. The Phins have been a little inconsistent of late but the return of Nikorima in the halves should see them once again steady with Isaiya Katoa able to play his own game with his reliable halves partner back in the lineup. 

The Dolphins are coming off a big win before their week off in their QLD derby versus the Cowboys where they were victors 43-24. Once again the points flowed for the Dolphins who have scored 40+ points in 5 of their last 7 matches.

It has been the inconsistency in their defence that has hurt this season, however, with some of their troops returning from injury, that should bolster their middle and see them slow their opposition run metres gained. 

Dolphins Team News


Kodi Nikorimi is back from injury and returns in the halves with Jake Averillo moving back to the wing.

Mark Nicholls and Felise Kaufusi also return from injury giving the Phins pack a huge boost.

Ray Stone and Josh Kerr will add depth to the Dolphins bench. 

Dolphins Team List


1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Max Feagai
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jake Averillo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Francis Molo 
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi 
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Oryn Keeley 
13. Kurt Donoghoe

Interchange
14. Ray Stone 
15. Aublix Tawha
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Josh Kerr 

Reserves
18. Harrison Graham
19. Peter Hola 
20. LJ Nonu
21. Kenny Bromwich 
22. Tevita Naufahu

New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL 2025 Round 22 FAQ’s

How to watch New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL 2025 Round 22?

You can watch the New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL 2025 Round 22 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchNRL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL 2025 Round 22?

To buy tickets to the New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins NRL 2025 Round 22 game check the NRL website or the official New Zealand Warriors site.

Verdict

The Dolphins will score over 22.5 points and cover as the 2.5 point favourites against the Warriors. Where there are tries there is Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Best Bet1: Dolphins -2.5 Handicap/Line $1.92 at Elitebet - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Dolphins Over 22.5 Team Total $1.90 at betr - 3 Units
Best Bet3: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow Anytime Tryscorer $1.87 at dabble - 2 Units
Best Bet4: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow First Tryscorer $7.50 at dabble - 1 Unit
Dolphins -2.5
Handicap/Line
$1.92 - 3 Units
Lightning fast betting
Join with code BETSAU

18+. T&Cs apply

Bet at Elitebet
Dolphins Over 22.5
Team Total
$1.90 - 3 Units
The GOAT.
Ahead of the Game.

Join Australia's newest online bookmaker with code BETSAU and enjoy exciting new ways to bet. The app is among the fastest in the market. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at betr
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Anytime Tryscorer
$1.87 - 2 Units
Download the dabble app
with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
First Tryscorer
$7.50 - 1 Unit
Download the dabble app
with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble

Top Betting Sites

Betting offers

Upcoming Events

30 May 2026

Load More
Betting Slip | 01 Aug 2025

New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins