The Dolphins will head across the ditch to take on the New Zealand Warriors at Go Media Stadium in a qualifying final on Saturday night. 

The Dolphins enter their first-ever final on a seven-match winning streak, having not tasted defeat since they fell 66-0 to the Sharks at Kayo Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Warriors come into this contest riding a six-match winning streak but fell short of the Panthers in the race for the minor premiership. 

These sides split two close encounters this season, with the Warriors winning 20-18 in Round 8 before the Dolphins responded with a 26-24 victory in Round 17. 

Leka Halasima, Wayde Egan and Kurt Capewell return for the Warriors after missing last week. Sam Healey, Adam Pompey and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava revert to the extended interchange, where they are joined by Jackson Ford. 

The Dolphins regain Selwyn Cobbo, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Kodi Nikorima after all three missed last week. Jake Averillo, Brian Pouniu and Tevita Naufahu are the men to make way.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this Qualifying Final, check out our Warriors vs Knights tips and predictions below!

Warriors vs Dolphins Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

There’s no doubt about it; this is the match of the round. Despite lacking some of the big names other teams possess both the Warriors and Dolphins have been two of the standout sides this season. 

Finishing second and third respectively, one of these two will move straight into a preliminary final, but who will that be?

Starting with the Phins, this is their first ever finals series since joining the NRL back in 2023. A remarkable feat, particularly considering they come straight in at third with a second chance, should they lose here. 

If they do lose, it will be the first time in over two months as they have won each of their last seven matches.

On the other side of the field, we have the Wahs. They missed out on only their second ever minor premiership on points differential alone and have won their last six on the spin.

The biggest factor working in their favour, however, is the fact they earned the right to play this match at home, and we challenge you to find a team who would choose to travel across the ditch to face New Zealand with everything on the line.

Their last gasp 31-30 win over Manly last week showed how hard they are to beat at home as well as highlighting their next man up mentality. 

As impressive as the dolphins have been this season, this just feels like the Warriors story. While we are tipping them to get it done in front of their own fans, don’t be surprised if golden point is required to settle this one. 

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Since returning from his one-year Rugby League hiatus Warriors playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita has been a man reborn.

From a bit part player to the Wahs main man, CHT has gone from strength to strength in the last few seasons, but 2026 has really been his crowning glory.

He’s also added a serious knack for scoring tries to his rapidly expanding arsenal and has picked up a four pointer in five of his last six appearances.

We’re backing him to get the Warriors off to the perfect start in front of their home crowd with the first meat pie in this one. 

Betting tip: Chanel Harris-Tavita.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the Dolphins' last five away matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 46.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

The Dolphins have covered the line in seven of their last eight interstate matches as underdogs.

Betting tip: Dolphins (+3.5) line. 

Warriors vs Dolphins Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Herbie Farnworth

Herbie Farnworth has scored at least one try in each of his last seven appearances against New Zealand.

Ali Leiataua

In each of New Zealand's last four matches, its starting right centre has scored a try.

Jamayne Isaako

Jamayne Isaako has scored at least one try in each of the Dolphins' last six matches against teams on a winning streak.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances.

Selwyn Cobbo

Selwyn Cobbo has scored at least one try in 10 of his last 11 appearances.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored a try in three of his last four away appearances against teams on a winning streak.

Warriors vs Dolphins Teams 

New Zealand Warriors Team List 

1. Taine Tuaupiki

2. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

3. Ali Leiataua

4. Leka Halasima

5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Te Maire Martin

8. James Fisher-Harris (c)

9. Wayde Egan

10. Mitch Barnett 

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Jacob Laban

13. Erin Clark 

14. Sam Healey

15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Jackson Ford

18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

19. Adam Pompey

The Dolphins Team List 

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jack Bostock

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Selwyn Cobbo

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa (c)

8. Tom Flegler

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Tom Gilbert

11. Max Plath

12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

13. Morgan Knowles

14. Kurt Donoghoe

15. Ray Stone

16. Francis Molo

17. Connelly Lemuelu

18. Felise Kaufusi

19. Brad Schneider

Warriors vs Dolphins Match Details 

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: Go Media Stadium, Auckland.