Dolphins NRL team faces player dismissals and big losses in recent matches

The Dolphins lost to the Sydney Roosters 64-12, a much bigger loss than their close game against the Warriors.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

In recent NRL contests, the Dolphins team has been involved in several high-stakes games marked by significant events, including player dismissals and decisive scores. These matches, particularly against the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters, have brought the team's performance and disciplinary record under a spotlight. The outcomes have varied, from close finishes to substantial defeats, prompting a closer look at the team's on-field actions and their impact on game results.

Match Outcomes and Key Incidents

Recent reports detail a series of NRL matches involving the Dolphins. In a Pre-season Challenge game, the Dolphins were in a close contest with the New Zealand Warriors, trailing 34-20 at one point. During this game, Dolphins player Francis Molo was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Jackson Ford, reducing the team to 12 men. The Warriors' lead was notably extended by a double from Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (DWZ).

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LIVE NRL: Dolphins star sin-binned as DWZ double extends Warriors lead in thriller - 1

Conversely, in a different fixture, the Dolphins experienced a significant loss to the Sydney Roosters, with the final score being 64-12 in favor of the Roosters. This match was characterized by a melee that resulted in four players being sin-binned: Spencer Leniu and Naufahu Whyte from the Roosters, and Frank Molo and Aublix Tawha from the Dolphins. Despite the overall defeat, the Dolphins managed to score points, with speedster Tevita Naufahu crossing for a double.

Another encounter saw the Dolphins secure a late victory against the Warriors. With the score at 18-20 in favor of the Dolphins, a penalty for a high tackle awarded to the Dolphins in the 78th minute was followed by a try in the 80th minute, breaking the Warriors' resolve. Earlier in that same game, the score had been Warriors 6 - Dolphins 12.

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LIVE NRL: Dolphins star sin-binned as DWZ double extends Warriors lead in thriller - 2

Player Disciplinary Actions

Disciplinary actions, specifically sin-binning, have been a recurring theme in matches involving the Dolphins. The aforementioned sin-binning of Francis Molo for a high tackle on Jackson Ford during the Warriors Pre-season Challenge highlights a focus on player conduct. In the Roosters vs. Dolphins match, a melee erupted, leading to multiple players from both sides being temporarily removed from play. Frank Molo and Aublix Tawha were the Dolphins players sin-binned in this incident. The frequency of such disciplinary measures warrants examination.

Performance Against Key Opponents

The Dolphins have faced contrasting results against the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters.

LIVE NRL: Dolphins star sin-binned as DWZ double extends Warriors lead in thriller - 3
OpponentResult (Dolphins Score - Opponent Score)Key EventsDate/Context
New Zealand WarriorsLost 34-20 (Pre-season Challenge)Francis Molo sin-binned for high tackleRecently Published
Sydney RoostersLost 64-12Melee, 4 sin-bins (2 Dolphins), Tevita Naufahu doubleAugust 9, 2025
New Zealand WarriorsWon 20-1880th-minute try secured victoryAugust 1, 2025

Contextualizing the Results

The reports span different points in the NRL season and various competition formats. The match against the Warriors described as a "thriller" was part of the Pre-season Challenge, indicating an early-season or trial game context. In contrast, the heavy defeat to the Roosters on August 9, 2025, occurred later in the season, with one report suggesting it happened "in their head-to-head battle on differential to shave the gap to just 47." The game on August 1, 2025, against the Warriors, where the Dolphins secured a late win, appears to be a regular season fixture, as indicated by the mention of "Round 22, 2025" and "Premiership."

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Expert Observations

One report references a coach's bewilderment regarding sin-binning decisions, with the coach asking, "'Do we have to allow ourselves to get punched?'" This quote, attributed to an unnamed coach in an August 9, 2025, article, suggests a possible contention with the officiating or the circumstances leading to player dismissals.

Summary and Implications

The Dolphins have been involved in a series of NRL games that have garnered attention for both their competitive nature and the disciplinary incidents that have occurred. The team has experienced close victories, such as their late win against the Warriors, and significant defeats, most notably against the Sydney Roosters. The recurring theme of player sin-bins, including a notable melee involving multiple players, raises questions about the team's on-field discipline. These results and events have shaped the Dolphins' narrative in recent NRL reporting.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Dolphins have players sent to the sin bin recently?
Dolphins players Francis Molo, Frank Molo, and Aublix Tawha were sent to the sin bin in recent games for actions like high tackles and in a melee. This meant their team had fewer players on the field for a time.
Q: How did the Dolphins do against the Sydney Roosters on August 9, 2025?
The Dolphins lost badly to the Sydney Roosters with a score of 64-12. This game also had a big fight where four players, including two from the Dolphins, were sin-binned.
Q: What happened in the Dolphins vs. New Zealand Warriors game on August 1, 2025?
The Dolphins won a close game against the New Zealand Warriors on August 1, 2025, with a final score of 20-18. They scored a try right at the end of the game to win.
Q: What was the result of the Dolphins vs. Warriors Pre-season Challenge game?
In the Pre-season Challenge, the Dolphins were losing 34-20 to the New Zealand Warriors at one point. Dolphins player Francis Molo was also sent to the sin bin during this match.
Q: What are the main issues for the Dolphins based on recent games?
The Dolphins have faced both big losses and close wins recently. They have also had several players sent to the sin bin for fouls and fighting, which affects their game.