Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the Warriors makes a run during the NRL Round 23 match between the Redcliffe Dolphins and New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, August 11, 2024. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Returning from a month-long pec (chest) injury, Fisher-Harris was at his abrasive best, but crossed the line in the dying moments, when he smashed Dolphins forward Harrison Graham with a high, no-arms tackle that earnt him a trip to the sideline.
The Warriors had just conceded a try to fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and immediately let through another to centre Herbie Farnworth, but they smothered another last-ditch attack to seal the win.
The visitors controlled much of the first half and reached the break ahead 10-0, but benefitted from an outrageous referee call that resulted in a try to centre Kurt Capewell.
Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who was also returning from injury, spilt a high kick near his own goal-line, but the loose ball was ruled backwards. His team rumbled upfield, with halfback Luke Metcalf kicking ahead, gathering and finding Capewell for the try.
Both teams had tries disallowed on technicalities and the Warriors eventually stretched their advantage to 16 points with 10 minutes remaining, as reserve forward Jacob Laban scored his first NRL try.
Fisher-Harris' indiscretion left the door ajar for the Dolphins, but their comeback ultimately fell short.
"Very proud," Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett reflected. "Didn't feel too nervous and pretty much had control of the game for 80 minutes.
"We made it hard on ourselves again and when Fish went off, I was a little nervous, but confident that there wasn't much time to go, and we composed ourselves and got the job done.
"Two points are two points and none of them are easy in the NRL."
The result means the Warriors will remain second through 11 rounds with an 8-2 record, matching the best-ever start to a season by the 2002 side that won the minor premiership and reached the Grand Final.
Next week, they return to Go Media Stadium for the first time in a month, hosting Canberra Raiders.
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Team lists
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Jake Averillo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jack Bostock, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Kurt Donoghoe, 10. Felise Kaufusi, 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 12. Tom Gilbert, 13. Ray Stone
Interchange: 14. Harrison Graham, 15. Mark Nicholls, 16. Josh Kerr, 17. Connelly Lemuelu
Reserves: 18. Sean O'Sullivan, 19. Oryn Keeley, 20. Max Feagai, 21. Kenneath Bromwich, 22. Junior Tupou
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Kurt Capewell, 5. Taine Tuaupiki, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark
Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jacob Laban, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Samuel Healey
Reserves: 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 21. Tanah Boyd, 22. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 23. Moala Graham-Taufa
