Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Dolphins claimed one of their biggest wins of the 2026 NRL season, defeating the New Zealand Warriors 26 to 24 in a dramatic finish at Suncorp Stadium. Selwyn Cobbo scored the match winning try before Jamayne Isaako nailed a pressure conversion from the sideline, extending the Dolphins' winning streak to eight matches, but the victory was overshadowed by a serious wrist injury to star halfback Isaiya Katoa.
The highly anticipated top four clash lived up to expectations, with momentum swinging repeatedly before Isaako's clutch kick sealed victory in the dying moments.
The result lifted the Dolphins level with the Warriors on a 10 and 5 record after one of the most entertaining games of the season.
Cobbo responds when it mattered most
Cobbo endured a mixed afternoon after producing several handling errors that allowed the Warriors back into the contest.
However, with the Dolphins trailing late, the Queensland representative delivered when his side needed him most.
After the Dolphins recovered a short kick off, Cobbo burst onto a loose ball to score in the corner and level the scores at 24 all.
Isaako then calmly converted from the touchline to complete a remarkable comeback and spark wild celebrations at Suncorp Stadium.
The Dolphins had earlier opened the scoring through Cobbo before Herbie Farnworth and Isaako also crossed during an entertaining first half.
Katoa injury dampens celebrations
The biggest concern for the Dolphins came midway through the opening half when Katoa left the field with an apparent dislocated wrist.
The young playmaker has been central to the club's impressive winning streak, and the injury could sideline him for an extended period.
The Dolphins also briefly lost Cobbo for a head injury assessment before he returned to finish the match.
Despite the setbacks, Kristian Woolf's side continued to attack confidently and found a way to secure another important victory.
Warriors show remarkable resilience
The Warriors again demonstrated why they remain among the competition's toughest teams despite an extensive injury list.
Jacob Laban, Dallin Watene Zelezniak, Charnze Nicoll Klokstad and Sam Healey all crossed as New Zealand repeatedly fought back after falling behind.
Healey's late dummy half try gave the visitors the lead with only minutes remaining before Cobbo's decisive response.
The match also marked Watene Zelezniak's 100th NRL appearance for the Warriors, making him just the 34th player to reach 100 first grade games for multiple clubs.
Coach Andrew Webster's side now heads into a bye after another courageous performance despite missing several key players through injury.
Dolphins strengthen premiership credentials
The victory further underlined the Dolphins' emergence as genuine premiership contenders.
After inconsistent form in previous seasons, the club has developed into one of the NRL's most dangerous teams, combining attacking flair with growing resilience in close contests.
The Dolphins will next travel to Newcastle, although they are expected to be without several State of Origin representatives and could also be forced to cover Katoa's absence.
