The Warriors-Dolphins qualifying final was marked by dramatic moments involving player suspensions. A crucial incident occurred when Adam Pompey was sent off for a shoulder charge on Ray Stone with the Warriors leading 10-8.
This incident ignited tensions, leading to a scuffle after Isaiya Katoa tackled Jackson Ford aggressively. The clash escalated when Warriors' Kurt Capewell confronted Dolphins players, prompting Selwyn Cobbo to enter the fray from the sidelines.
While Katoa was reported for his tackle, he avoided a sin bin. Referee Adam Gee, however, took issues with the actions of Capewell and Cobbo. "You come from the other side of the field to join the melee. Go to the bin," he admonished Cobbo.
Capewell was also reprimanded for instigating the altercation. Both Cobbo and Capewell received grade one contrary conduct charges, while Pompey faces a grade one shoulder charge accusation, risking a two-game suspension if he contests the charge and loses.
In another development, Max Plath was reported for a dangerous tackle that injured Jackson Ford. However, the NRL cleared Plath of any charges in their Sunday judiciary report, allowing him to participate in the preliminary finals.