Jamayne Isaako's match-winning try against the Warriors speaks volumes about the grit and belief permeating the Dolphins as they chase a maiden finals berth.
The dashing winger, battling a quad/groin injury, scored in the 80th minute with a sweeping team try to secure a 20-18 win in Auckland last week after captain Isaiya Katoa had turned down a shot at a difficult penalty goal that could have equalised moments earlier.
The win took the Dolphins to 26 points and inside the top eight and now they host Sydney Roosters on Saturday night aiming to draw on the stellar effort of Isaako.
The Dolphins have eight players who would ordinarily be in the starting side unavailable due to injury or suspension but Isaako has been passed fit and is set to play his 68th game in a row for the club.
Katoa has provided a fascinating breakdown of the try and what it says about his team.
"I knew we had the confidence in our attack to score points," Katoa said.
"I was confident to take the two as well but Kodi Nikorima came up to me and mentioned our attack was good and we should keep going.
"I took a lot of confidence out of that and I said to the boys we are going for the try.
"We are definitely not lacking for confidence. The past couple of years we have been in close scenarios in games like that where we need a try and we just kick the ball away.
"One thing we have spoken about all year is that when we need to score a try, we keep the ball in our hands."
Isaako's effort also speaks of the way the Dolphins have refused to yield despite their injury toll.
"Jamayne came up to me before the game and said he wasn't feeling too well with his leg but for him to stick it out and go over and score the try shows his character and how much he cares about our team and his teammates," Katoa said.
Coach Kristian Woolf said Isaako would play against the Roosters despite being on lighter duties this week
"We wouldn't put him out there if we weren't confident," Woolf said.
"We have looked after him through the week. It is something that has been ongoing. It flared up a bit last week.
"He was very brave (last week) and sometimes that can get overlooked a little bit when you are on the wing. He stayed out there when we had other injuries and disruption going on all over the field. He did a really good job to finish that try as well."
Woolf said he was proud of his side's fight and flair under pressure.
"They turn up and no-one wants to let each other down and they show that in their performance every week," he said.
"I love seeing them backing themselves …. that's what I want them to do."
