The NZ Warriors let a comfortable pre-season victory slip away after surrendering a 14-point second-half lead to the Dolphins, who stormed home with three late converted tries to claim a 38–34 win.
Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak crossed twice as the Warriors built momentum following early exchanges that included Jackson Ford opening the scoring before spending time in the sin bin for a hip-drop tackle.
The Warriors regained control through Wayde Egan, Ali Leiataua and strong attacking play to lead 34–20, prompting coach Andrew Webster to rest senior players and hand opportunities to younger reserves.
Despite briefly extending the advantage, the inexperienced lineup struggled to close out the match as the Dolphins’ youthful side finished strongly, overturning the deficit in the final 10 minutes.
The result leaves Webster facing injury concerns, with Ford potentially facing judiciary scrutiny and acting captain Kurt Capewell nursing rib discomfort after a heavy first-half collision.
