The Dolphins have sent a clear message to their competition after a thrilling victory against the Warriors in the finals.
This exhilarating performance showcased their offensive flair but also highlighted a newfound defensive resilience.
Despite trailing by eight points after 55 minutes, the Dolphins rallied spectacularly.
They clinched a 26-16 win, demonstrating they no longer resemble the team that struggled throughout parts of the season.
At that moment in the match, the Warriors controlled nearly 60 percent of possession, having only managed to score a single try.
This tenacity, combined with explosive attacking play, has positioned the Dolphins as genuine contenders for the premiership.
As they continue to build momentum, focus now shifts to the halves combination, which is under scrutiny.
Simultaneously, the South Sydney Rabbitohs face uncertainty regarding the futures of two key players following their surprising elimination at the hands of the Knights in the opening round of the finals.
Both teams are clearly at pivotal moments in their journeys as the season progresses.