New Zealand Warriors vs St. George-Illawarra Dragons prediction and odds: NRL 2023 Round 26

The finish line is in sight in the 2023 NRL regular season, with just two rounds remaining. Can the New Zealand Warriors continue their fine run of form as they host the St. George-Illawarra Dragons this Friday, and lock up home ground advantage for the first week of the playoffs? Read on for our Warriors vs Dragons predictions.

New Zealand Warriors vs St. George-Illawarra Dragons – Match Predictions

For the Warriors there’s a top four spot up for grabs in this match, while the Dragons are playing to avoid the wooden spoon. Here are our top predictions ahead of the Warriors vs Dragons this Friday:

New Zealand Warriors to Win by 16+ @ 2.00 (1/1)

The Warriors have won six on the bounce now, and are roaring their way into the post-season. Admittedly, some of their recent wins have been scratchy results over lower ranked teams–but in saying that, these were the matches that New Zealand would lose in previous seasons. Against a St. George-Illawarra side that have looked woeful in 2023, and in front of a packed out Mt. Smart Stadium, we say this will be the match where the Warriors really showcase their talent ahead of the playoffs.

Expect it all to come together here on Friday night for the Kiwis, with a big statement sent to the rest of the top eight.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to Score @ 1.40 (2/5)

We suggested this bet last week, and it made our punters plenty of cash. In a high scoring romp at Mt. Smart, it’s hard to see Watene-Zelezniak staying away from the white chalk for the full 80 again. The winger now has tries in 11 of his past 12 matches, and this feels like an easy return again this week.

New Zealand Warriors vs St. George-Illawarra Dragons 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

Capable of beating anyone on their day, the trouble with the Warriors over the past 15 years is it hasn’t often been their day. This year, however, it’s been a very different Kiwi team we’ve seen, with the side displaying plenty of tenacity and consistency–characteristics that have been lacking in previous seasons. With 15 wins and seven losses, the Warriors sit third and are an excellent chance of finishing in the top four.

St. George-Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons couldn’t have had a more contrasting season to the Warriors. With just five wins from 22 matches, it’s been slim picking for St. George-Illawarra. They last won in July, eking out an 18-14 victory over bottom placed West Tigers. However, last week they did have a good showing against the Melbourne Storm, only losing by 10 eventually.

New Zealand Warriors vs St. George-Illawarra Dragons head to head

The Warriors dealt to St. George-Illawarra comprehensively in their meeting earlier this season, winning by 30 points. The Kiwis lead their head to head over recent years as well, 4-3 since 2019.