New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins Tips & Preview - Pre-season build up continue at Leichhardt

James Smith

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Last updated: Thu 19 Feb 2026 14:28

James Smith 19 Feb 2026

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Warriors aim to bounce back after Sea Eagles loss
Dolphins showcase star left edge Farnworth & Cobbo
Teams share an even head-to-head history

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Warriors and the Dolphins clash on Friday (Getty Images)

New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins Preview

The New Zealand Warriors and the Dolphins head to Leichhardt Oval on Friday, February 20, for a pivotal second-round trial match ahead of the NRL season.

New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins Preview
New Zealand Warriors
Dolphins

For both sides, this is the final dress rehearsal to iron out combinations before the points start counting in Round 1.

The Warriors are looking for a massive bounce-back after a disappointing 33-18 loss to a makeshift Sea Eagles side in Napier last week.

Coach Andrew Webster was vocal about his frustration regarding the team’s try-line defence and lack of cohesion. Expect a much stronger lineup this time, as several stars return from All-Stars duty.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, are entering 2026 with a point to prove. After narrowly missing the finals in 2025, Kristian Woolf’s squad looks formidable on paper.

This match will be the first time fans see their star-studded left edge - Herbie Farnworth and Selwyn Cobbo - operating in tandem.

New Zealand Warriors

The Warriors have focused on injecting youth and high-ceiling "X-factor" talent to support their veteran core.

Speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira joins from the Titans to provide elite finishing on the wing, while Morgan Gannon, a highly touted English forward from Leeds Rhinos, bolsters the back-row depth.

Promising young playmaker Jye Linnane has switched from the Knights, but Dylan Walker (Eels), Bunty Afoa (Wests) and Tom Ale and Freddy Lussick (Panthers) have all departed for 2026.

Dolphins

The Dolphins’ 2026 roster is arguably the deepest in the club’s short history, defined by marquee recruitment and the return of key injury-sidelined stars.

Selwyn Cobbo is the biggest move of the off-season with the Maroons star adding immense strike power to the backline having switched from the Broncos.

Morgan Knowles is a powerhouse English international forward signed from St Helens and Brad Schneider joins from the Panthers to provide crucial depth in the halves and at hooker.

The return of Thomas Flegler from two years out to a severe shoulder injury is another key gain with the Origin prop finally fit and slated to lead the engine room.

Mark Nicholls and Kenny Bromwich have hung up the boots, while Josh Kerr (Dragons) and Sean O’Sullivan (Bulldogs) have moved on to new opportunities.