Warriors eye ANZAC Day pride as Harris-Tavita closes in on 100 game milestone

The Warriors head into their round eight ANZAC Day clash against the Dolphins in Wellington with pride, history, and a milestone all in play.

Chanel Harris-Tavita is set to reach his 100th NRL appearance, which will add extra meaning to a match already carrying emotional weight for the club and their fans.

The Warriors have won just one of their last four ANZAC fixtures, giving Saturday’s contest added importance as they look to build momentum and chase a third straight win of the season.

Traditionally drawn with the Storm on ANZAC weekend, the Warriors face a different challenge this year against a Dolphins side from Brisbane, who arrive in New Zealand off the back of a devastating golden-point loss to the Panthers.

With a sold-out crowd expected at Hnry Stadium in the capital, a physical contest looms, likely to be decided deep into the final stages as the second-placed Warriors host 12th-placed Dolphins.

In a social media post, Warriors CEO Cameron George acknowledged the responsibility the club carries in representing those who served in World War One.

“ANZAC Day represents a huge amount of history that we’re very appreciative of. As a club, we need to acknowledge it and do it in such a special way.”

George said respect is shown by “going to war on the footy field”.

Harris-Tavita’s milestone adds another layer to the occasion. Since debuting in 2019 and returning to the sport in 2023, he has re-established himself as a key figure in the side and will again start in the halves alongside Tanah Boyd.

Isaiya Katoa of the Dolphins tackling Mitchell Barnett of the Warriors during their May 2025 clash. Photo/Dave Hunt/Photosport

Fans have been enjoying the combination of Harris-Tavita, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (centre) and young prospect Alofiana Khan-Pereira (wing) and will look for their strong presence again come Saturday.

All three were influential in the Warriors’ 28-20 win over the Titans, with Harris-Tavita and Khan-Pereira scoring, while Tuivasa-Sheck added two try assists and four tackle breaks in a strong 80-minute performance.

But the Dolphins have shown they can push top sides to the edge. Last week, they fought back from 18-0 down against the Panthers before falling 23-22 in golden point.

Dolphins head coach Kristian Woolf will be relying on his senior players to lead from the front once again, with centre Herbie Farnworth among those expected to stand up after leading his side last week in line breaks (two) and fantasy points (109).

For the Warriors, discipline will be key after conceding four second-half tries against the Titans last week. They will be aiming to control the game early and avoid letting the Queensland side build any momentum.

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Kick off: 8.05pm (NZT), Hnry Stadium, Wellington

Teams:

Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ali Leiataua, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Leka Halasima, Kurt Capewell, Erin Clark, Interchange: Sam Healey, Mitchell Barnett, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban, Marata Niukore, Luke Hanson

Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Bradley Schneider, Isaiah Katoa, Tom Gilbert, Max Plath, Francis Molo, Connelly Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Interchange: Ray Stone, Thomas Flegler, Felise Kaufusi, Trai Fuller, Lewis Symonds, Tevita Naufahu

* Teamlists last updated as of 24 April 2026