Rugby

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights prediction and odds: NRL 2023 semi-final

It’s do or die in the NRL, as the New Zealand Warriors host the Newcastle Knights in Auckland this evening for a spot in the preliminary-finals next week. Can the Kiwis bounce back from their defeat at the hands of the Panthers last week, or will the Knights continue their winning streak? Read on for our Warriors vs Knights predictions.

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights – match predictions

This is what finals footy is all about. The Warriors are licking their wounds after a solid loss last weekend, but are still a top four side and head back to the Fortress of Faith to take on the Knights, who have now won ten in a row. Here are our top predictions ahead of the Warriors vs Knights this weekend:

New Zealand Warriors to win 1-12 @ 3.10 (2/1)

Let’s not forget that prior to the final round of the NRL regular season, the Warriors had won seven matches in a row. New Zealand have a stellar team this year, with the magic of Shaun Johnson and the attacking prowess of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Adam Fonua-Blake and co. While they’ve taken a bit of a dip over the last fortnight, that can largely be explained by resting players and injuries. 

Now, bolstered by the return of Johnson, and playing in front of a packed out Mt Smart Stadium, expect the Warriors to remind the competition why they’ve been a regular fixture in the NRL’s top four this year. The Knights may be one win away from equalling their all-time club winning streak, but we say the Kiwis will stop them in their tracks with a statement performance for the home faithful. 

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Dominic Young equal tries @ 2.40 (7/5)

Both Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Dominic Young have been absolute standouts for their sides this year, scoring 46 tries between them so far this season. Both will be looking to put in big performances to get their teams across the line, and it would be no surprise if they both finish on a try apiece–or two.

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights preview

Heading into this match, here’s a look at how both teams’ seasons have gone so far in the NRL 2023:

New Zealand Warriors

It was a tough match last weekend for the New Zealand Warriors, with the Kiwis going down 32-6 to the Penrith Panthers on the road. However, there is some light for them–they were without their star player Shaun Johnson, and the man himself is back this week against the Knights. Having finished fourth on the ladder, it’s still been one of the Warriors best seasons in well over a decade, and a win here would be appropriate.

Newcastle Knights

Talk about a team on a hot streak. It’s now 10 wins in a row for Newcastle, with the Knight squeaking home against a surprisingly resilient Canberra Raiders last weekend. They won’t be too happy with their defence, leaking 28 points against the Raiders in their elimination final, but the fact that they could win ugly would have been encouraging. Key for them in this match up against the Warriors will be shutting down Johnson, and unleashing Dominic Young to contest high balls on the wing.

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights head to head

The head to head between these two sides is as tight as it gets, with the Knights leading 24 wins to 23, with one draw. Most recently, Newcastle claimed their latest meeting in April 2023, winning 34-24. This was the Knights fourth win in the last five clashes against the Warriors.

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights match details

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights prediction odds

  • Date and time: Saturday 16 September, 7:05 AM GMT
  • Venue: Go Media Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
  • How to watch: Sky Sports


Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!