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The New Zealand Warriors have it all to do ahead of them on Saturday in the NRL finals, as they head to Penrith and take on top of the table Panthers for a spot in the preliminary finals. Can they continue punching above their weight in 2023? Read on for our Panthers vs Warriors predictions.
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors – match predictions
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The home side will be expected to continue their triumphant march towards a third title in four seasons, but expect New Zealand to have different ideas about that on Saturday. Here are our top predictions ahead of the Panthers vs Warriors this weekend:
New Zealand Warriors to win 1-12 @ 4.20 (10/3)
Up the Wahs! Not only do New Zealand have a real shot at upsetting the Minor Premiers here, but the odds for them doing so are too good to say no to. They’re famous for thriving in the underdog role, which makes this match perfect for them too.
Until last week–which barely counts, given the Warriors rested half their team–the Kiwis were on a seven-match winning streak, including big wins over top eight sides the Sharks and Raiders. With stars such as Shaun Johnson, Charnze Nicoll-Kolkstad, Adam Fonua-Blake, Tohu Harris and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak all refreshed after a week off, this is prime territory for a boil over on week one of NRL finals footy.
Either team to win by 1-12 @ 2.20 (6/5)
If you’re not willing to take such a risky bet as the one above, then backing either side to win 1-12 is a great shout. Last time these two met it was a tight 18-6 win to the Panthers, and even if the Warriors can’t quite cause a boilover, they’ll be playing pressure-free rugby league, given that Penrith are expected to advance. This will trouble the Panthers, and it would be a big surprise if this wasn’t a close match at the end.
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors preview
Heading into this match, here’s a look at how both teams’ seasons have gone so far in the NRL 2023:
Penrith Panthers
It’s another year, another Minor Premiership for the Penrith Panthers. With 18 wins and six losses, they’ve narrowly beaten the Brisbane Broncos to the top of the NRL ladder, and as such, get home ground advantage and two shots at making the preliminary finals. Most recently, they defeated the North Queensland Cowboys to end their season, winning 44-12 in a triumphant romp home at BlueBet Stadium.
New Zealand Warriors
The Kiwis have delivered their best season since 2008, nailing a top four placement and also ensuring they’ll get two shots at keeping their season alive in the NRL. The Warriors have shown more steel and consistency than we’ve seen in a long time, gritting out a string of ugly wins to finish the season on 16 wins and eight losses, one of which came last week against the Dolphins when they rested a whole host of starting players.
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors head to head
The Panthers lead the head to head between these two teams 19-16, with one draw. Most recently they met in the NRL Magic Round this year, with Penrith coming away 18-6 victors.
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors match details
- Date and time: Saturday 9 September, 07:00 AM GMT
- Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith, Australia
- How to watch: Sky Sports
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