Blog: Warriors make best start to a season since 2018

Half-time: What's all this then? Somehow, Wests Tigers are in front after trailing for all but three seconds of the first half. The Bunnies were out of the blocks early, racing to a 12-0 lead, even beating the clock. However, the momentum changed late in the half and Wests Tigers scored two tries in the last three minutes of the half. Latrell Mitchell, who was filling in at fullback with Jye Gray off the field for a HIA, was put on report for high contact on Heamasi Makasini as he scored his side's second try and gave up an eight-point try. 

40 min: The momentum has truly turned in this game and somehow the Tigers are matched with Rabbitohs after the home side were out of the blocks early. Heamasi Makasini scores after a high kick can't be handled by Moala Graham-Taufa and the visitors pick up the scraps. There was a review for an eight-point try by the Bunker for high contact on the try scorer by Mitchell, giving Doueihi two shots at goal that the nails and they are up 14-12. 

37 min: Some joy finally for the visitors after a heap of possession before the half-time break. A great break through the defence is rewarded with Samuela Fainu the one to get over the try line. Adam Doueihi slots the conversion and it's 12-6 to the Rabbitohs in Gosford.  

30 min: A no try ruling to the Rabbitohs is upheld by the Bunker, with Wighton originally deemed to have knocked the ball forward before it goes out wide to the wing. 

29th min: Gray comes off for a HIA after Sione Fainu is penalised for a dangerous tackle, deemed to have taken him high after the fullback fielded a kick. There was a scuffle before referee Wyatt Raymond told everyone to calm down. 

26th min: The Rabbitohs have withstood some sustained pressure on their line with some strong defence for seven sets. 

8 min: He scores them, he helps set them up. The Bunnies go back-to-back with a hard-running and fending Jack Wighton the beneficiary of some good lead-up work from Gray. Once again though, the home side benefit from a Tigers error. Mitchell converts again for an early 12-0 lead.

4 min: Rabbitohs are on the board early with their little headgeared fullback Jye Gray darting to the line. The Bunnies capitalised on some poor Wests Tigers discipline early in the match for a relatively straight-forward try. Latrell Mitchell converts and it's a 6-0 lead for the home side. 

Late Mail

Rabbitohs: One minor change in the 90-minute update, with Lachlan Hubner dropping off the bench and Liam Le Blanc coming in. Campbell Graham (shoulder) and Euan Aitken (cork) dropped out on Friday with Moala Graham-Taufa to make his club debut on the wing. "Campbell's got a shoulder problem so he won’t play tomorrow,” coach Wayne Bennett said on Friday. “It happened in last week's game but it just hasn’t recovered well enough, so he’s not fit enough." Jamie Humphreys is set for his first appearance of 2026, having served a suspension throughout the last fortnight. It marks the third halves partner in three weeks for five-eighth Cody Walker but Humphreys' return should bring some stability to the side. Tallis Duncan is set to start on Saturday night.

Wests Tigers: One minor change in the final team update, with Jeral Skelton and Sunia Turuva trading places. Skelton will now start on the wing and Turuva at centre. Skelton came into the side after Taylan May was ruled out with a shoulder injury, with Patrick Herbert coming on to the six-man bench and in line for his first NRL match since 2022. Perth-bound winger Luke Laulilii retains his place in the starting side and has scored five tries in his last six NRL games. Tony Sukkar and Tino Tavana were omitted on Friday and will line up in NSW Cup.

Sharks v Dolphins at Ocean Protect Stadium

Full-time: Connelly Lemuelu has put a punctuation mark on a resounding Dolphins victory at Ocean Protect Stadium, the forward breaking through a Briton Nikora tackle to score in the final play of the game. The Dolphins ran in three tries in the final six minutes to turn an 18-10 lead into a commanding 38-10 victory and consign the Sharks to a second-straight loss. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 38.

78th minute: The Dolphins are running away with this now, with the visitors shifting the ball to the left and Selwyn Cobbo racing away to score. The Bunker will also take a look at this one, with Will Kennedy attempting to knock Cobbo into touch. The try is confirmed and the Dolphins will return to Redcliffe with two competition points. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 32.

75th minute: The referee has awarded Jake Averillo a try but the Bunker will take a very close look at this. The Sharks attacked down the short side on the last tackle. The ball was passed and may have been touched by Jamayne Isaako before Averillo plucked it out of the air and raced away to score the try. Replays show Isaako did not touch the ball and the try is confirmed. The Dolphins are well on their way to victory now. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 26.

72nd minute: The Dolphins have another Captain's Challenge after Herbie Farnworth was pinged for an incorrect play the ball. It was a messy play the ball with multiple defenders in the ruck and the challenge is successful. Another big moment in this game, with the Dolphins inching closer to victory. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 20. 

69th minute: The Dolphins have lodged a Captain's Challenge after Herbie Farnworth leapt high for the ball and was dragged down just shy of the line. Replays show he was tackled in the air and the Dolphins take another two points to extend their lead to 10. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 20

67th minute: The Sharks have spent the past few minutes camped inside the attacking 20 but they just haven't been able to find a way through the Dolphins defensive line. The hosts eventually turned the ball over and Braydon Trindall compounded the error by collecting Jake Averillo high. Big momentum swing towards the Dolphins. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 18.

63rd minute: Sam Stonestreet is claiming a try but the referee has sent it up to the Bunker as no try. The Sharks winger leapt high to catch a bomb and attempted to step past the Dolphins defenders, with four players scrambling to hold the ball above the ground. That play could prove crucial as this game edges towards full-time. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 18. 

55th minute: A big moment in this contest, with Blayke Brailey placed on report for tripping a Dolphin chasing a kick. The penalty provided the Dolphins with a chance to extend the lead beyond a converted try and reclaim the momentum. Meanwhile, Teig Wilton has entered the fray for his first appearance since off-season shoulder surgery. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 18. 

49th minute: The Sharks have produced a sensational few minutes of play and Braydon Trindall has capped it off with a try in his 100th NRL game. Will Kennedy started it all with a superb kick return and the Sharks never looked back. Toby Rudolf produced a barnstorming carry from a line drop out, Blayke Brailey came close from dummy half and Trindall eventually crashed over. Sharks 10 - Dolphins 16. 

Kick-off: We are back for the second half and the Sharks are looking to aim up for defence as they attempt to reel in the Dolphins. Herbie Farnworth proved too hot to handle in the opening 40 and will be looking to continue an impressive run of form in the second half. Sharks 4 - Dolphins 16.

Half-time: Stunned silence at Ocean Protect Stadium as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow delivers a hammer blow with a minute left on the clock. Herbie Farnworth has dismantled the Sharks right edge defence throughout the first half and he's done it again to send Tabuai-Fidow over for the try. It's a big moment on the stroke of half-time and Cronulla will have a lot of work to do after the break to get back into this contest. Sharks 4 - Dolphins 16.

36th minute: A costly error by Sharks forward Briton Nikora. The hosts had repelled the Dolphins with a big defensive effort and had worked their way into attacking territory. The visitors were on the back foot before Nikora spilled the ball in the play the ball but the pressure is relieved. Sharks 4 - Dolphins 10.

31st minute: Isaiya Katoa take a bow. The Dolphins halfback delivered an outstanding 20-metre cut out pass to winger Jamayne Isaako, who launched through the air to ground the ball. Right centre Herbie Farnworth set up the try-scoring opportunity, breaking multiple tackles on the previously play to put his side on the front foot and Katoa ensured the visitors made the most of the retreating defensive line. Sharks 4 - Dolphins 10.

28th minute: It didn't take long for the Sharks to capitalise, with Nicho Hynes producing a long looping pass to Sam Stonestreet. The winger had plenty of work to do and swerved past multiple defenders to score the try. Sharks 4 - Dolphins 4.

26th minute: An uncharacteristic error by Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has given Cronulla a prime attacking opportunity, with the Sharks handed a scrum just inside the halfway line. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has turned to his bench, injecting Toby Rudolf into the contest. Sharks 0 - Dolphins 4.

20th minute: The Dolphins have the first points of the game after a chaotic couple of plays. Morgan Knowles was caught with the ball on the last, offloaded the ball, it touched a Shark and bounced back to Knowles. Jesse Colquhoun then knocked the arm of the dummy half from the subsequent play the ball, multiple players stopped, the Dolphins kept playing and Jake Averillo scored the try. Sharks 0 - Dolphins 4.

17th minute: Fatigue is starting to set into this contest and it's the Dolphins who turn the ball over on halfway. Cronulla had a chance to capitalise but the players were exhausted in hot, humid conditions and Addin Fonua-Blake spilled the ball. Sharks 0 - Dolphins 0. 

10th minute: The Sharks continue to threaten but they just haven't quite been able to breakthrough. This time it was Jesse Ramien who came close to slicing his way through the line, however the desperate Dolphins defence forced the ball free. Sharks 0 - Dolphins 0.

6th minute: There's been an extended feeling out period throughout the opening stages of this match, with both sides going set for set. Just as the Sharks looked to be gaining the upper hand, Will Kennedy has been penalised for disrupting Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's attempts to catch a bomb and the Dolphins receive an easy exit from their own end. Sharks 0 - Dolphins 0. 

Kick-off: We are underway at Ocean Protect Stadium, with the Sharks looking to bounce back following last week's loss to Penrith. The Dolphins edged past the Titans last week and have their sights on a second-straight win. Cronulla will have first use of the ball and it's Tom Hazelton with the opening carry. Sharks 0 - Dolphins 0. 

Late Mail

Sharks: Teig Wilton is set for his first footy of the year as he completes his recovery from off-season shoulder surgery. The punishing back-rower has come on to the six-man bench in Saturday's 90-minute update. Jayden Berrell is the man to drop out.  

Dolphins: Tom Flegler has come out of the side on Friday due to a rib injury with Felise Kaufusi moving into the starting side. Max Plath retains his place in the starting side after making a successful return from an ACL injury last weekend. No further changes in Saturday's team update.

Knights v Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium

Full-time: Luke Hanson has put an exclamation mark on a dominant Warriors performance, with Taine Tuaupiki scooping up a loose ball and breaking free before passing to the debutant for the final try of the match. 

The Warriors forwards monstered the Knights, who made far too many errors to have any chance of winning. While they battled hard to stay in the contest, the toll of defensive effort eventually proved too great in the second half. Warriors halfback Tanah Boyd was superb and pulled the strings for his side as they ran in six tries to two in the 26-point win. Knights 12 - Warriors 38. 

75th minute: Tensions are threatening to boil over after Tanah Boyd was hit in the legs by Trey Mooney while kicking the ball. There was no malice by Mooney who got his timing wrong and quickly apologised to Boyd but he has been sent to the sin bin. Boyd is on his feet and hobbling around a little but looks to be okay. The Warriors have taken the penalty goal and extended their lead by two. Knights 12 - Warriors 32.

69th minute: The Knights rolled down the field and were threatening to score a second in quick succession but the attacking opportunity has evaporated. While being tackle, Dane Gagai was ruled to have come down with force on Warriors prop Jackson Ford and has been placed on report. Knights 12 - Warriors 30.

66th minute: The Knights have got one back and they have kept their slim hopes of victory alive. The hosts embarked on long shift to the left, caught the Warriors defence exposed and winger Greg Marzhew did the rest to score in the corner. Knights 12 - Warriors 30.

59th minute: The Bunker has been busy today, with the Warriors claiming a try. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak caught a bomb, passed back to Jackson Ford who looked to burrow his way over. The prop was smothered by multiple Newcastle defenders and spilled the ball while attempting to ground it. Knights 6 - Warriors 30.

58th minute: The Warriors continue to press their advantage on the field, but it is not all smooth sailing for the visitors. Hooker Wayde Egan has left the fray for an HIA. Meanwhile, the Knights are challenging a knock on after a Dane Gagai tap-on was ruled to have travelled forward. The 40-metre line cripples the Knights chances, with the ball clearly starting behind the line and finishing in front of it. Challenge unsuccessful. Knights 6 - Warriors 30.

55th minute: Tanah Boyd has set up plenty of tries today but now he has a four-pointer of his own and the Warriors are within touching distance of a 3-0 start. The halfback received the ball, looked up, spotted a gap and burst past Dylan Lucas to score the try. Knights 6 - Warriors 30.

52nd minute: The Warriors have the first points of the second half and it's James Fisher-Harris who carries a defender over the line to slam the ball down. Tanah Boyd shaped to kick on the last, stepped past Phoenix Crossland, opted to run down the short side, broke into the back field before linking up with his skipper for the try. Knights 6 - Warriors 24. 

44th minute: We're off to the Bunker yet again after Dallin Watene-Zelezniak spilled a Knights kick. The ball was bobbled by Pasami Saulo and ultimately grounded by the forward, but it had touched a Warriors defender in the bobble. Watene-Zelezniak's fumble was ruled to have travelled backwards and he can breathe a big sigh of relief. Warriors ball. Knights 6 - Warriors 18. 

Kick-off: We are back for the second half with the Warriors to have first use of the ball. The visitors are out to capitalise on the one-man advantage for the next few minutes as they look to kick further clear. As for Newcastle, ball possession is key. The Knights have shown they have points in them but errors cruelled their chances in the opening 40. Knights 6 - Warriors 18.

Half-time: The Warriors have delivered a crushing blow with the final play of the first half. A couple of minutes after denying Greg Marzhew at the other end of the field, the visitors capitalised on another Knights error to score their third try of the half. This time it was Leka Halasima who latched on to a Luke Hanson pass to score his fourth try of the season. Newcastle burst out of the gates but made far too many errors through the opening 40 and the Warriors slowly wore them down before pulling ahead late. Knights 6 - Warriors 18.  

35th minute: The Bunker has been called upon for the third time this half, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak claiming a try. The winger leapt for a bomb in a contest with Newcastle's Dane Gagai. The ball touches Watene-Zelezniak and travels forward and the Knights survive. The next five minutes before half-time will be crucial for the hosts chances in this match. Knights 6 - Warriors 12. 

33rd minute: Fletcher Hunt has been sent to the sin bin as referee Liam Kennedy says enough is enough. The Knights have conceded multiple set restarts in their defensive 20-metre zone and Hunt has paid the price. The defensive set came after Greg Marzhew made an error, Newcastle's sixth of the game. Knights 6 - Warriors 12.

30th minute: Dally M leader Jackson Ford has a four-pointer and the Warriors are in the lead. Another Newcastle error handed the visitors more attacking field position, with Mitch Barnett taking the ball to the line, drawing the defenders and linking up with Ford, who strolled through a big hole. Knights 6 - Warriors 12

28th minute: We've got another trip to the Bunker after the Warriors went 100 metres in the set after points. Tanah Boyd produced another well-placed bomb, Ali Leiataua racing through to jump for the ball and seemingly score. The centre was in front of the kicker, however, with replays confirming the on-field decision of offside. Knights 6 - Warriors 6.

25th minute: We are all locked up after Tanah Boyd kicked a simple penalty goal from straight in front. The Warriors get the two points but the Knights breathe a big sigh of relief. An error from Fletcher Hunt put the hosts under pressure and they were desperately hanging on. The Warriors looked destined to strike but they have instead opted to take the two points on offer to level the scores. Mitch Barnett has also entered the fray for his first match since Round 13 last year and will have the first carry from the kick off. Knights 6 - Warriors 6.

19th minute: We're off to the Bunker with James Fisher-Harris looking to crash over from close range. The on-field referee has ruled no try and it is the right call. Tyson Gamble somehow managed to get his arm under the ball before Fisher-Harris grounded it and forced an error. Knights 6 - Warriors 4. 

18th minute: It's been an entertaining start to this match, with plenty of end-to-end action. Now it's the Warriors turn to attack, with a break followed by a penalty leading to a fresh set of six in prime field position. Knights 6 - Warriors 4.

13th minute: The Warriors have turned defence into attack and have their first points of the day. The visitors defended their own line to deny the Knights before earning a couple of penalties to work their way into attacking territory. Tanah Boyd did the rest, delivering a superb pass for Erin Clark to stroll through a gaping hole and score the try. Knights 6 - Warriors 4. 

5th minute: The game has paused temporarily after Morgan Gannon collided with Jacob Saifiti as the Knight returned the kick-off. The Warriors forward was making his NRL debut but has been placed into the head knock protocol and will not return today. Marata Niukore enters the fray for his first action of the year in his return from a calf injury. Knights 6 - Warriors 0.

4th minute: It's a dream start for the Knights who have rolled down the field and capitalised on their first attacking opportunity of the match. Sandon Smith produced a pinpoint bomb on the fifth tackle, Fletcher Hunt outleapt the Warriors defenders and secured the catch to score the try. Knights 6 - Warriors 0

Kick-off: We are underway on a bumper super Saturday, with a showdown between two undefeated sides at McDonald Jones Stadium. Newcastle have travelled to Las Vegas and Manly before their first home game of the season, while the Warriors have enjoyed back-to-back victories in Auckland to start their year. Mitch Barnett is in the mix for his first game since June and is on the six-man bench. Knights 0 - Warriors 0.

Stat Attack

• The Knights have won only one of their past five games against the Warriors.
• The Warriors have scored the most points in their history after two rounds.
• The Knights have lost their last six games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
• Warriors prop Jackson Ford will make his 100th NRL appearance.
• Knights five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe has scored 13 tries in 11 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Late Mail

Knights: Just one additional change in Saturday's final team update, with Mat Croker shifting from the bench to start at lock and Tyson Frizell moving to the interchange. Fletcher Sharpe was originally named to return from a knee injury suffered in Las Vegas but he has dropped out of the side. Tyson Gamble will come into the halves alongside Sandon Smith while Fletcher Hunt is set to start at fullback in place of Kalyn Ponga (hamstring). Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana also came out of the squad on Friday with Cody Hopwood moving onto the six-man bench.

Warriors: Star prop Mitch Barnett will come from the bench as he makes his comeback from an ACL injury suffered last June. Centre Adam Pompey has remained in Auckland for the birth of his first child so Leka Halasima shifts to centre. Marata Niukore was initially named to come into the back row in his return from a calf injury but reverted back to the bench in Saturday's final team update. Englishman Morgan Gannon will start in the back row instead in his NRL debut. Alofiana Khan-Pereira is the final player in the six-man bench and could make his first appearance for the Warriors if used. Kurt Capewell (calf), Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (both head knocks) have all been ruled out. Taine Tuaupiki is the new fullback and Luke Hanson makes his NRL debut at five-eighth.