3. Ali Leiataua – 2
Had a tough defensive assignment against the game’s best centre in Herbie Farnworth, but two costly decisions proved decisive. He made a poor read that led to the Dolphins’ second try, before his biggest error came in the closing minutes when he rushed out of the defensive line, creating the space Selwyn Cobbo needed to score the match-winning try.
4. Adam Pompey – 3
Another tough night at the office in what has been a disappointing campaign overall for the usually reliable centre. He made four errors, including a costly one that gifted the Dolphins a try just before halftime. He was also placed on report for a knee lift – an offence that earned him a suspension earlier this season. His goal-kicking was a rare bright spot, however, as he landed all four conversion attempts.
5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – 5
Quiet compared to his four-try heroics on the wing last week. Did manage to score a nice try off a nice scrum play, but was outplayed by his opposite, who claimed a brace. Plenty of effort bringing the ball out of the backfield.
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita – 5
Had a nice night kicking the ball as he took control of the majority of the kicking. Claimed the assist for Jacob Laban’s try and played a key role in two others. Despite that his overall impact is down in recent weeks.
7. Te Maire Martin – 8
Continues to shine in the No 7 jersey, but it was his defensive efforts that were impressive in this match. Came up with a stunning try-saving tackle on Cobbo with a strong defensive effort and finished with 23 tackles. Continues to be a strong runner of the ball, finishing with 133m off 14 carries.
Te Maire Martin. Photo / Photosport
8. Tanner Stowers-Smith – 6
A very odd performance as he was strong to start the match with a highlight being a jaw-dropping tackle to deny Kodi Nikorima. But after leaving the field, he only returned to the field for the last moments, finishing with 60m off eight runs and 19 tackles.
9. Wayde Egan – 5
Was very crafty to start the match with some nice runs to earn some set restarts but did get quieter as the match progressed.
10. Mitch Barnett – 8
The captain put in a big shift and was easily the best middle forward for the Warriors. Brought plenty of impact and finishing with 154m and 35 tackles, although did give away a ruck infringement.
11. Jacob Laban – 7
The young edge forward produced his best performance of the season, scoring a great try off a bomb to open the scoring for the Warriors. Played a crucial role in Watene-Zelezniak try. Finished with a game-high 49 tackles. Very impressive.
12. Kurt Capewell – 6
A welcomed return for the Queensland star, although it wasn’t the best of starts when he had the ball knocked out of his hands in the act of scoring, which proved crucial in the context of the game. Finished with 44 tackles in a decent display.
13. Erin Clark – 5
An underwhelming performance by his standards, with the forward failing to crack 100m for the first time in eight games. He still ran some strong lines in attack but hasn’t looked quite the same since James Fisher-Harris went down with injury. The good news for the Warriors is Fisher-Harris is expected to return after the bye, which should provide a timely boost to the pack.
Interchange:
14. Sam Healey – 6
Back after a brief injury layoff and made an immediate impact, helping spark the Warriors fightback. His late try should have been the game winner, but it was that impressive, he’s already establishing himself as part of the club’s folklore.
Sam Healey dives over for a try against the Dolphins. Photo / Photosport
15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava – 6
Was his most impressive match of the season in a 58-minute stint that saw him playing out of position in the centres for part of the match. Brought plenty of energy and had 12 runs for 114m, along with 34 tackles.
16. Demitric Vaimauga – 4
Had nine carries for 70m, but it was a much quieter performance than we’ve come to expect. He struggled to make his usual impact and isn’t producing at the same level he was earlier in the season.
17. Marata Niukore – 3
A quiet and brief stint where he made 15 tackles.
Interchange players not used: Luke Metcalf, Kayliss Fatialofa.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.