We’re getting down to the business end of the 2024 NRL season and the Dolphins are holding on tight.
A golden point(s) thriller against the Warriors in round 23 at Suncorp Stadium saw the Dolphins secure a win 34-32 and nudge themselves back into the top eight.
The much-needed win follows a few rounds of unsuccessful matches with the Panthers pipping us at the post 28-26 in round 20, the Titans took us out by seven points (21-14) in round 21 and the Roosters showing us the door (40-34) in round 22.
Dolphins player Sean O’Sullivan has been touted as booting one of the best goals of the 2024 season after calling for the ball on the fifth tackle and launching a left-foot bomb 43 metres out on an angle which sailed over the post for the win against the Warriors.
The Dolphins wasted no time getting on the scoreboard early, with Felise Kaufusi capitalising on a well-placed kick from Kodi Nikorima to score the opening try. Herbie Farnworth then had the crowd in raptures, sprinting 85 metres after Max Plath recovered an awkward bouncing Warriors kick near the goal line, extending the Dolphins' early lead.
The Warriors responded later in the first half with Te Maire Martin connecting with Edward Kosi on a high kick to the corner, giving the visitors their first points of the afternoon.
However, the Dolphins finished the first half strong, with Nikorima and Jake Averillo combining for a 65-metre dash down the right sideline, sending the teams to the break with the Dolphins leading 20-6.
After coming from behind (26-12) early in the second half, the Warriors powered through to level the score 32-all after 80 minutes of hard-fought footy, sending the game into golden point time.
During a nail-biting extra time, both teams had early chances to seal the win, but it was O'Sullivan who stepped up. Coming off the bench and slotting into dummy half, O'Sullivan helped guide the team down the field in the final set before nailing the field goal, breaking the hearts of Warriors fans and securing the Dolphins' first golden point win of the season.
This victory may have moved the Dolphins back into eighth place on the ladder, but with four games remaining in the regular season, they'll need to build on this momentum to secure their first-ever finals appearance.
The man of few words (aka Coach Wayne Bennett) didn’t give much away when asked about his side’s position back in the top eight.
“That's something to celebrate, isn't it?” Bennett said.
With a month left in the season before finals kick in, Bennett emphasised that despite challenges the Dolphins have demonstrated they can go toe-to-toe with the top teams in the NRL.
What’s next for the mighty Dolphins? Their final four rounds see them up against the Bulldogs (sitting in fifth spot), the top-placed Storm, fellow local side the Broncos (in 12th) and lastly the Knights, currently sitting just outside the top eight. Let’s see what magic they can produce as they ride the wave towards finals. Phins up!
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