There are fears Dolphins star Tom Gilbert suffered an ACL tear after the consultant ahead went down with a non-contact harm within the 34-22 loss to the Warriors.
The aggressive ahead missed many of the 2023 season after he injured his shoulder in sport one of many State of Origin collection.
Gilbert was on the comeback path and poised for a giant season for the Dolphins, however there are grave fears that he has suffered a serious proper knee harm after he modified path and went down 4 minutes into the second half along with his facet down 18-6.
MATCH CENTRE: New Zealand Warriors vs. Dolphins scores, stats
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It could be a devastating blow for Gilbert and the Dolphins given how a lot they missed him final 12 months, with the previous Cowboy establishing himself as top-of-the-line younger forwards within the sport.
Depth was a serious concern for the Dolphins final 12 months they usually have extra considerations with halfback Sean O’Sullivan in HIA protocols after he was compelled off within the opening 5 minutes and didn’t return.
COMBINATIONS
The means Warriors forwards run onto the ball is not like another membership within the NRL, with the boys from throughout the ditch timing their decoys and hitting holes so methodically you’d assume a Swiss watchmaker was concerned.
Opposition defences have been responsible of standing on their heels ready for the assault to make the primary transfer, with massive boys Mitch Barnett and Marata Niukore charging into gaps to attain.
It all begins with the artful Wayde Egan at hooker who holds up the markers, whereas Shaun Johnson has the ball on a string and is in sync along with his outdoors males.
It would’ve been good to see Isaiya Katoa come on when O’sullivan went off, with the Dolphins taking 67 minutes to interrupt the road as their assault lacked a spark.
RECRUIT WATCH
One of the Dolphins’ greatest weaknesses of their inaugural marketing campaign was within the centres, however they’ve solved that dilemma with a few key signings.
Herbie Farnworth was arguably the most effective centre on this planet final 12 months and scored a pleasant strive on Saturday, however Jake Averillo has snuck beneath the radar and might be a participant the Bulldogs remorse letting go.
Averillo is blessed with unbelievable pace off the mark and confirmed off his wheels when he latched onto a Kodi Nikorima kick for his or her solely strive of the primary half, whereas Valynce Te Whare stays in rivalry after he scored late.
ROOKIE WATCH
He performed 5 matches for the Warriors final 12 months, and Taine Tuaupiki seems set to play a outstanding position to start out the season with common fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad anticipated to overlook the opening three rounds with a hamstring harm.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster has already mentioned that the returning Roger Tuivasa-Sheck received’t be moved from left centre which suggests Tuaupiki will probably get first crack within the No.1 jersey.
Tuaupiki confirmed his worth with a game-high 102 metres within the first half earlier than Tuivasa-Sheck was shifted to fullback the place he got here up with a surprising effort to disclaim Farnworth a sure strive after which set one up within the closing minute.
HOT TAKE
The Warriors are going to host a preliminary closing this 12 months.
While different members of final season’s high 4 have misplaced key gamers, the Warriors have managed to strengthen their squad and can solely get higher beneath Andrew Webster who has them taking part in a singular model of footy that fits them to a tee.
FINAL SAY
Saturday confirmed the highs and lows of the trials.
The Warriors couldn’t have requested for extra forward of their season opener at dwelling towards the Sharks, whereas it was heartbreak for the Dolphins who might be with out considered one of their most vital gamers for all of 2024.
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Source: www.foxsports.com.au