The New Zealand Warriors' push for the NRL Minor Premiership is ON following Penrith’s shock loss to the Broncos last week. 

A Canterbury Bulldogs side that looks much improved post-origin stand in their way at Accor Stadium. 

The Bulldogs' late-season charge towards the finals is back in play after a 32-0 dismantling of the Tigers last Saturday.

They sit two points behind the eighth-placed Cowboys and will be desperate to keep their momentum going against a Warriors side that has performed consistently all season. 

Captains Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau bolster the Doggies starting side, with the latter being a welcome return after a few months nursing injury. 

Meanwhile, the Warriors claimed a 20-12 victory over the Dragons last weekend and are shaping up as genuine challengers to take top spot off the Panthers, now just two points adrift. Andrew Webster has named the same 17 that got the job done last week.

This Dogs side is close to full strength, will it be enough to topple the mighty Wahs?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors Round 21 prediction and preview below.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Warriors will look to continue their push for top spot on the ladder when they travel across the Tasman to take on the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.

Despite being below their best, the Wahs keep getting the job done, something which is the hallmark of a championship side. Their sluggish 20-12 win over the last-placed Dragons wasn't pretty but was enough to keep pace with the Panthers.

We anticipate another low-scoring slog here against the Bulldogs, and we no longer doubt the Warriors' ability to find a way to win, particularly in games such as this.

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Warriors.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Alofiana Khan-Pereira gets plenty of ball on that Warriors right edge and is a constant threat in space.

The Bulldogs will be focused on containing the Warriors' big men through the middle, which opens the door for Khan-Pereira to make the most of his speed and athleticism on the outside.

Betting tip: Alofiana Khan-Pereira.

Over/Under Prediction

The Warriors have shown a knack for keeping scorelines tight this season and the Bulldogs, for all their recent improvement, don't run up big scores.

Both teams play a similar brand of defence-first football and this fixture has grind written all over it.

Betting tip: Under total match points.

Line Prediction

The Warriors are the in-form side and have the personnel to control a game like this. Back them to cover on the road against a Bulldogs side that, while improved, isn't quite ready to beat the top teams by a margin.

Betting tip: Warriors (-4.5) line.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

One of the competition's most dangerous outside backs close to the line, DWZ is a consistent finisher who has been diving over in corners for decades now. Doubt the flying mullet at your own peril. 

Jacob Preston

Preston has been one of the Bulldogs' best in the Ciraldo era. A fantastic defender and dynamic line running backgrower in the Beaver Menzies mould. 

Great player to watch, never surprised to see him get over.  

Jethro Rinakama

From a long line of Fijian wingers who know how to find the line. Big, fast, athletic and boy can this fella move. 

If the Warriors defence give him half an inch of space he’ll sneak down that sideline for a four-pointer. 

Taine Tuaupiki

The Warriors fullback is a constant danger in open play and will be heavily involved in the Warriors good ball sets.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors Teams

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List

1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Matt Burton
4. Enari Tuala
5. Jethro Rinakama
6. Stephen Crichton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Leo Thompson
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Sean O'Sullivan
15. Josh Curran
16. Harry Hayes
17. Lipoi Hopoi

New Zealand Warriors Team List

1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Te Maire Martin
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Jacob Laban
13. Erin Clark
14. Sam Healey
15. Tanner Stowers-Smith
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Leka Halasima

Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors Match Details

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST.

Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney.