LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Warriors have once again displayed their fighting spirit by overcoming injuries to key players and defeating the Dolphins 24-20 in Auckland on Sunday.
Despite missing ten of their regular starters, fill-in halfback Te Maire Martin led the charge and orchestrated a stunning comeback victory in front of a raucous crowd at Go Media Stadium.
The Warriors got off to a strong start, capitalizing on an error from Edward Kosi to set up an early try for Jamayne Isaako, thanks to a precision pass from Kodi Nikorima.
The Dolphins responded with a try of their own in the 16th minute, as Herbie Farnworth showcased his footwork to dance past Warriors defenders after scooping up a loose offload from Euan Aitken.
However, the Warriors refused to back down and quickly closed the gap with Marcelo Montoya rising high to claim a Martin bomb and setting up Chanel Harris-Tavita for a crucial score.
The momentum shifted back and forth as the Dolphins extended their lead to 16-6 with a stunning long-range try finished off by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, courtesy of a blistering run from Farnworth.
In a true test of character and resilience, the Warriors dug deep and rallied together to mount a comeback, with Martin pulling the strings and guiding his team to a hard-fought victory.
The win was a testament to the Warriors' never-say-die attitude and showcased their ability to thrive in the face of adversity.
Overall, it was a nail-biting clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, filled with twists and turns reminiscent of Rugby League classics.
The Warriors' triumph will go down in history as a memorable display of guts, glory, and determination in the face of adversity.