Dolphins Win 20-18 Against Warriors After Late Try and Two Player Injuries on August 1, 2025

The Dolphins won a close game against the Warriors 20-18. This is a much tighter score than their previous loss to the Warriors.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

A last-minute try saw the Dolphins snatch a close 20-18 victory against the Warriors on August 1, 2025. The match, played in Auckland, was marked by a dramatic shift in momentum and significant player injuries for the Dolphins.

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Match Details and Key Moments

The Dolphins established an early lead, reaching 16-6 by the half-hour mark. However, the Warriors mounted a comeback, bringing the scoreline close. The final minutes saw a crucial penalty awarded to the Dolphins, leading to a match-winning try scored by Jamayne Isaako. This late surge overturned the Warriors' efforts and secured the win for the visitors.

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  • The Dolphins secured a 20-18 win over the Warriors, with the deciding try scored in the closing moments of the match.

  • The game took place at Go Media Stadium, Auckland, on August 1, 2025.

  • The Warriors had previously defeated the Dolphins 16-12 in May 2025 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Injuries Impact Dolphins' Performance

The Dolphins' victory was overshadowed by two key injuries. Herbie Farnworth sustained a potentially season-ending injury, and Jamayne Isaako suffered a leg injury while scoring the winning try. These injuries occurred in quick succession, casting a shadow over the team's win.

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LIVE NRL: ‘Eats those up’ — Star recruit’s slick finish as Warriors lead Dolphins - 3

"The try line beckoned for the Dolphins when Farnworth went down… while they jumped out to a 16-6 lead on the half-hour, the disruption upset the visitors just enough for the Warriors to mount their own comeback. Limited-time offer > MATCH CENTRE: Warriors vs Dolphins teams, scores, videos, updates A potentially season-ending injury to danger man Herbie Farnworth was compounded in the final minute when Jamayne Isaako suffered a leg injury while diving over for the matchwinner." - Article 1

  • Herbie Farnworth's injury occurred prior to the match-winning try.

  • Jamayne Isaako was injured while scoring the decisive try.

  • The Dolphins had recently welcomed back Kodi Nikorima from a five-week hamstring injury layoff.

Strategic Decisions Under Pressure

With less than two minutes remaining and trailing 18-16, the Dolphins opted against a penalty kick for a potential draw. Instead, they chose to attack the try line, a decision that paid off with Isaako's winning try. Dolphins skipper Isaiya Katoa noted the necessity of taking risks in such a situation.

LIVE NRL: ‘Eats those up’ — Star recruit’s slick finish as Warriors lead Dolphins - 4

"Daring Dolphins skipper Isaiya Katoa said he believed they had to attack to roll the dice." - Article 5

  • The Dolphins faced a decision on how to respond to a penalty awarded approximately 35 metres from the try line.

  • This strategic choice ultimately led to the winning score.

Warriors' Performance and Season Context

Despite the loss, the Warriors had shown resilience, mounting a comeback after falling behind in the first half. The report from RNZ highlights the Warriors' competitive standing, noting their scoring ability and points differential.

  • The Warriors' halves, Te Maire Martin and Isaiya Katoa, were set to face off.

  • As of August 1, 2025, the Warriors had achieved one win after their two previous byes.

  • In the wider competition context, only the Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Storm had scored more points than the Warriors.

Broader Dolphin Team Developments

Beyond the Warriors match, the Dolphins have seen other player movements and considerations. Selwyn Cobbo made his debut for the team, prompting discussions about his optimal position. This debut occurred in a different match, against the Gold Coast Titans, noted in a February 12, 2026 report.

  • Selwyn Cobbo impressed in his Dolphins debut.

  • The team has also seen contributions from players like Cooper Bai.

  • In a June 28, 2025 game against the Rabbitohs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored a try, assisted by Isaiya Katoa. Herbie Farnworth also featured in that match, with a try assist noted.

Expert Analysis

The tactical decision to pursue a try rather than attempt a penalty goal in the dying moments underscores a bold approach by the Dolphins. This high-risk, high-reward strategy, as described in Article 5, is often employed by teams under pressure to maximize their chances of victory when trailing late in a match. The ability of players like Jamayne Isaako to execute under such circumstances, despite the subsequent injury, highlights individual skill and team trust in that moment.

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Conclusion and Implications

The Warriors suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Dolphins due to a late try, despite their efforts to come back in the game. The Dolphins, while securing a vital win for their finals aspirations, face concerns regarding the extent of Herbie Farnworth's and Jamayne Isaako's injuries. The team's decision to prioritize a match-winning try over a penalty in the final minutes demonstrates a calculated, aggressive strategy that ultimately proved successful. Further updates on player recovery and the impact of these injuries on the Dolphins' upcoming fixtures will be crucial.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the Dolphins beat the Warriors on August 1, 2025?
The Dolphins won 20-18 against the Warriors in Auckland. They scored a try in the last minute of the game to win.
Q: Who scored the winning try for the Dolphins against the Warriors?
Jamayne Isaako scored the winning try for the Dolphins in the final minute of the match. He was later injured while scoring.
Q: Did any Dolphins players get injured during the game against the Warriors?
Yes, two Dolphins players were injured. Herbie Farnworth may have a season-ending injury, and Jamayne Isaako injured his leg scoring the winning try.
Q: What was the final score between the Dolphins and the Warriors on August 1, 2025?
The final score was Dolphins 20, Warriors 18. The Dolphins took the lead with a try right at the end of the game.
Q: Why did the Dolphins go for a try instead of a penalty kick near the end of the game?
With less than two minutes left and trailing 18-16, the Dolphins captain decided to attack for a try rather than take a penalty kick for a draw. This risky move led to their victory.
Q: Where and when was the Dolphins vs. Warriors game played on August 1, 2025?
The game was played at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday, August 1, 2025.