Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on his way to the try line during the Warriors pre-season win over the Dolphins. Photo: Photosport
The Warriors will roll into the start of the NRL season with plenty of momentum after a dazzling display against the Dolphins yesterday afternoon.
In their final pre-seaon hit-out, the Warriors downed the Dolphins 34-22, running in six tries at Go Media Stadium with the squad providing coach Andrew Webster plenty of selection headaches heading into round one on Friday.
Following a close loss to the Tigers in Chirstchurch last weekend, the 2023 semi finalists bounced back with a statement performance in Auckland.
The big names stood up and more importantly for Webster came through unscathed ahead of their clash with the Sharks.
The home side struck first through Marcelo Montoya on the left edge, before going back to back as Mitch Barnett steamrolled his way across the chalk.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak picked up where he left of last season, getting his name on the score-sheet after snaffling an intercept right on halfway, the fan-favourite grinning ear to ear as he streaked away.
The Dolphins pulled one back before the break but the Warriors were in again shortly after oranges, Shaun Johnson finding Rocco Berry running a brilliant line.
Jack Bostock went aerial for the visitor's second, but a Marata Niukore reasserted the advantage with a bulldozing break through the Dolphins defence.
A late brace from the Redcliffe side reduced the damage before Ali Leiataua sealed the win in the 78th, courtesy of a nifty offload from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The Warriors will open their NRL season against the Cronulla Sharks in Auckland on Friday night.
Kick off is at 8pm.
Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck following the Warriors Pre-Season Challenge win over the Dolphins. Photo: Photosport