New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins Verdict
These sides are hard to split - as underlined by the fact the last six meetings have been decided by four points or less. Another tight game is in prospect with the Phins backed to cover a +4.5 line along with Either Team by 1-12.
- The last six meetings have been decided by four points or less
- Dolphins have covered a +4.5 line in seven of the eight previous meetings
- Dolphins are on a seven-game winning streak
- Herbie Farnworth has scored 1+ try in his last four appearances vs Warriors
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has scored four tries in his last three games & crossed vs Phins earlier this year
- The Warriors right winger has scored three tries in the last three games against Dolphins
Warriors vs Dolphins Head To Head
The H2H couldn't really be any closer, locked at 4-4 coming into this finals showdown, with the last three decided by exactly two points.
New Zealand Warriors Form
Another stellar campaign for the Warriors, who only just missed out on the minor premiership in the final round of the regular season.
Despite various injuries and setbacks, most notably in the halves, the Warriors continue to flourish and come into this clash on a six-game winning run.
The Wahs have been humming in attack, scoring an average of 39 points since Round 22.
However, Andrew Webster will want to put an added emphasis on defence for this one after his side conceded 30 points against Manly last week and were exposed on the edges.
Dolphins Form
Huge season for the Dolphins, who come into the finals having won 15 of their last 17 games.
Slow starts have also been an issue for the Phins all season, but they repeatedly find a way back into games.
No secret that the Phins are absolutely blistering in attack, but they will have to tighten up their defence if they want to win a maiden NRL premiership - as it stands, they are looking to become the first team in history to concede 50+ points during the regular season and win a Grand Final.
In fact, the Phins leaked 50+ points twice, including a 66-0 whitewash vs the Sharkies.
But Kristian Woolfe's side responded brilliantly from that setback, compiling a seven-match winning run - including a brilliant 26-12 win over the Roosters a fortnight ago.
Slow starts have also been an issue for the Phins all season, but they repeatedly find a way back into games.
Team News
Some big ins for the Warriors, with Leka Halasima, Wayde Egan, Kurt Capewell and Jackson Ford all returning for this one - but tryscoring winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak remains sidelined due to a collarbone injury.
The Phins are at full-strength, with Selwyn Cobbo (ankle), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (knee) and Kodi Nikorima (hamstring) all coming back into the side.