Warriors vs Dolphins: NRL Pre-Season Trial – Live Scores & Updates

The New Zealand Warriors suffered a heartbreaking 38-34 defeat to the Gold Coast Dolphins in a pre-season trial match at Leichhardt Oval on February 20, 2026. Despite leading 34-20 midway through the second half, the Warriors saw the Dolphins score three converted tries in the final 10 minutes to snatch victory.

The match was marked by a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing attacking flair. Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak proved a constant threat, scoring two tries, including an acrobatic effort highlighted by photosport. Jackson Ford opened the scoring for the Warriors in the fourth minute, but his evening took a turn when he was sin-binned for a hip-drop tackle.

While Ford was off the field, the Dolphins capitalized, with hooker Brad Schneider putting his side ahead. Upon Ford’s return, the Warriors regained momentum, with Wayde Egan and Watene-Zelezniak crossing for tries, and Tanah Boyd adding the conversions to establish an 18-10 halftime lead.

The second half saw a seesaw battle. The Dolphins came out firing, with Trai Fuller and Jamayne Isaako scoring back-to-back tries. However, the Warriors responded, with prop Frank Molo then receiving a sin-bin for a high shoulder tackle on Ford, shifting the advantage back to the Warriors. Ali Leiataua and Watene-Zelezniak added further tries, extending the Warriors’ lead to 34-20.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster then opted to rest his key players, introducing a host of young reserves. While Jack Thompson and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava managed to add to the Warriors’ tally, pushing the score to 38-20, it proved to be their last scoring action of the night. The Dolphins’ youthful contingent seized the opportunity, with Tevita Naufahu, John Fineanganofo, and Brian Pouniu – all Auckland natives – scoring three late tries, with Schneider converting all three to secure a dramatic 38-34 win.

The match wasn’t without its disciplinary concerns. Ford’s hip-drop tackle is likely to come under scrutiny from the match review committee, while Warriors acting skipper Kurt Capewell ended the first half holding his ribs after an awkward tackle, raising concerns about a potential injury.

The late collapse will undoubtedly be a point of discussion for Webster and his coaching staff. While the pre-season trial offered valuable game time for the squad and a chance to assess emerging talent, the manner of the defeat will be a concern. The decision to rest key players when leading comfortably ultimately backfired, allowing the Dolphins to capitalize and secure a morale-boosting victory.

The Dolphins’ comeback highlighted their depth and resilience, with their young players demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. The late surge of tries will provide a significant confidence boost heading into the regular season. The performance of the Auckland-born trio – Naufahu, Fineanganofo, and Pouniu – will be particularly satisfying for the club.

The Warriors will now turn their attention to their next pre-season challenge, hoping to address the defensive lapses that allowed the Dolphins to mount their late comeback. The health of Capewell will also be a key concern, with the team awaiting further assessment of his rib injury. The result serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining intensity and focus for the full 80 minutes, even in pre-season encounters.

The pre-season trial also provided a glimpse of potential selection headaches for both coaches. The strong performances of several players will undoubtedly complicate team selection for the upcoming NRL season. The Dolphins’ recruits, in particular, shone brightly, adding to the competitive depth within the squad.