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Important update on 1476AMCobbo key in Dolphins' Anzac clash with Warriors
Joel Gould, AAP • April 24th, 2026 3:24 pm
Selwyn Cobbo | Photo: AAP
The Dolphins pushed Penrith all the way last week in a loss coach Kristian Woolf said unearthed the template for success against the Warriors.
The clash in Wellington on Saturday is sold out, but the Dolphins have fond memories of their one and only trip across the ditch last year.
With forward Felise Kaufusi in the sin-bin, winger Jamayne Isaako scored in the 78th minute to secure a 20-18 win in Auckland.
"We know how to come over here and win," Woolf said.
"It was really tough and we had to score in the final minutes and we had to do it with 12 men. One thing I remember is the seven or eight minutes before that where we were defending our line and the courage we showed for each other. We have to be prepared to do that again."
Last week in hot and humid Darwin, the Dolphins trailed 18-0 at half-time against the Panthers but led 22-18 before losing 23-22 in golden point.
They defended stoutly and got the ball to strike weapons Herbie Farnworth, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Cobbo in the second half.
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"We get a lot of confidence out of that and a bit of a blueprint in terms of what we want to be as a team," Woolf said.
"We showed a lot of resilience and a lot of toughness. We also showed a lot of class.
"In the second half we moved the ball and got it to our strike edges. We also showed we wanted to chase kicks and defend tough. If we can put 80 minutes together like that second 40 we know we are hard to beat."
Queensland flyer Cobbo re-signed until the end of 2027 during the week and Woolf said he was fit, happy and ready to unleash his best.
Cobbo's average of 174m per match this season is a career high.
"I just think last week Selwyn started to back himself. I love his tough carries," Woolf said.
"He really puts his hand up and wants to carry from the back-field and help our middle forwards and get us on the front foot. He has just started to show that X-factor and it is up to us to get him a bit more footy and more opportunity."
Dolphins co-captain and halfback Isaiya Katoa was born in Wellington and the coach said he noted "a real spring in his step" ahead of the clash as the side aims to end a three-game losing streak.
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