The Warriors’ playoff hopes were crushed after a dramatic 34-32 golden point loss to the Dolphins in Brisbane.
Sean O’Sullivan was the hero for the Dolphins, scoring the winning drop goal from 42 meters out. Shaun Johnson missed the match due to a quad injury, which impacted the Warriors’ performance.
The game was intense from start to finish. The Dolphins dominated the first half, leading 20-6 at halftime. The Warriors fought back strongly in the second half, despite losing Dylan Walker to a red card just before halftime for a high tackle on Mark Nicholls. Tries from Kurt Capewell, Ali Leiataua, Te Maire Martin, and Demitric Sifakula, who scored his first NRL try, brought the Warriors back into contention.
With the scores tied at 32-all at the end of regular time, both teams had chances to win. The Warriors were awarded a penalty try after Mitch Barnett was pulled back by Kodi Nikorima, setting up a thrilling finish. Despite having two opportunities to win with drop goals, the Warriors couldn’t convert their chances.
O’Sullivan’s decisive drop goal in the extra time sealed the Dolphins’ victory. Although the Warriors scored six tries to the Dolphins’ five, missed conversions by Chanel Harris-Tavita proved costly.
With this win, the Dolphins moved back into the top eight, aiming for a spot in the finals for the first time in their club’s history. Meanwhile, the Warriors remain in 14th place on the ladder, ending their hopes of making the playoffs this season.
