The New Zealand Warriors suffered a hectic 38-34 trial loss to the Dolphins, with forward Jackson Ford sin-binned and placed on report.
Referee Grant Atkins sent Ford to the sin bin midway through the first half at Leichhardt Oval for a dangerous hip-drop tackle on Selwyn Cobbo.
Cobbo, a new Dolphins recruit, was checked and cleared of injury before continuing in the match.
Ford's technique will be scrutinised by the NRL match review committee, which could determine his availability for the season opener.
The Warriors already face early-season absences, with co-captain Mitch Barnett, halfback Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin unavailable to start.
Concerns also linger over the fitness of Marata Niukore, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ahead of round one against the Sydney Roosters.
Ford had earlier crossed for the game's opening try but was later on the receiving end of a shoulder charge from Dolphins prop Francis Molo.
Molo himself was sin-binned in the 53rd minute, and while the Dolphins were down to 12 men the Warriors hit back with three straight tries.
After a poor showing last weekend against a young Manly side, the Warriors looked sharper and led 18-10 at halftime.
Tries from Ford, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Wayde Egan produced the half-time advantage for the Kiwi team.
Cobbo grabbed the Dolphins' opening score and spent time both on the wing and at right centre during the contest.