For the first time since their round seven golden point win over the Broncos, the Warriors enter Go Media Stadium as underdogs.
The Dolphins have been installed as hot favourites ahead of the round 22 clash in Auckland, despite the Warriors' strong record on home soil this season.
Head coach Andrew Webster revealed that he was reminded of the shift in perception just days out from the clash when he fronted the media on Thursday.
"I got a text from a friend yesterday saying that Dolphins are hot favourites in our own backyard," he said.
"They’re playing really well.
"I think that would be the first time in a long time that people don’t think we can win at home."
MORE: Warriors cop major injury blow as captain James Fisher-Harris sidelined
The Warriors have battled a wave of injuries that has tested their depth in recent weeks.
Key players like Wayde Egan (concussion), Chanel Harris-Tevita (calf) and James Fisher-Harris (calf) are sidelined.
The season ending ACL injuries to Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf have further stretched their depth.
Despite the setbacks, Webster praised the grit shown by his squad during this time of player turnover.
"It’s been a test for the last five weeks," he said.
"They seem to find a way and the next guy does a job."
The Dolphins enter the clash boasting one of the most devastating attacks in the competition, led by chief playmaker Isaiya Katoa.
Kristian Woolf's men have a tenuous grip on eighth position on the premiership ladder, and will no doubt be looking to make a statement against the Warriors in their own backyard.
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With six rounds to go before finals football, every game is critical to determine where a side will finish.
Kick-off is set for Friday night, with a vocal Go Media Stadium ready to test the Dolphins mettle against a wounded but determined Warriors outfit looking to prove the bookmakers wrong.