NZ Warriors claim another NRL scalp in mid-season revival

The New Zealand Warriors have continued their mid-season revival, recording yet another win over a top-eight side by defeating the Dolphins in Auckland on Sunday afternoon.

On the back of their upset win over the Penrith Panthers in round 10 on the 2024 NRL season, a full house turned up to watch the Warriors take on Wayne Bennett’s side in Auckland.

The Kiwi crowd were soon stunned into silence when the visitors ran in two quick tries within the first 15 minutes. In the blink of an eye it was 10-0 Dolphins, and last weekend’s glory was looking a distant memory.

Something sparked in the Warriors’ attack, however, and they found their way across the line twice before half-time. Still, the 16-12 scoreline in favour of the visitors remained until the 57th minute, when the home side wrested control of the match.

Twin strikes by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marata Niukora in a 10-minute period gave the Warriors a 24-16 lead. The Dolphins pegged the margin back with a try in the 75th minute but were unable to complete the comeback, with the match ending 24-20 to the hosts.

Next, the Warriors will put their feet up and make the most of having a bye in round 13 while other sides prepare to play without their State of Origin representatives.

While Andrew Webster’s men sit 13th on the NRL ladder, online bookmakers have them as short as $2.30 to finish in the top eight this season.

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