Two of the competition’s undefeated teams will square off as the Newcastle Knights host the New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Knights handled the Sea Eagles 36-16 during Round 2 but were dealt huge injury blows with both Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown to miss at least four weeks each.

Meanwhile, the Warriors protected their home field with a 40-6 domination of the Raiders.

Fletcher Hunt is the new Knights fullback while Sandon Smith slides to halfback in place of Brown, with Fletcher Sharpe recovering from his knee injury to take over at five-eighth.

The Warriors have their own injury concerns, with Kurt Capewell still sidelined after injuring his calf in the warm-up last week, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Chanel Harris-Tavita have been lost to HIA protocols.

Taine Tuaupiki is the new fullback, debutant Luke Hanson is the five-eighth, and Marata Niukore joins the bench. The Warriors swept the Knights last year, including a 20-15 win at this venue.

Can they do it again? Let’s find out! For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this one, check out our Knights vs Warriors tips and predictions below.

Knights vs Warriors Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

NRL Round 3’s Saturday action sets off with two of the 2026 season’s most impressive starters.

Both the Knights and Warriors are two for two to start the season, despite not being fancied by pundits and punters alike.

The Warriors in particular have been on another level, despite missing key men. Their 40-6 victory over the Raiders last week, was the very definition of a statement win.

Speaking of missing key men, that’s the reality Newcastle face this week, with their two biggest stars in Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown set to be sidelined for some time.

With their two hottest steppers out of action, we’ll be siding with the white hot Wahs.

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Before going off injured in their season opener, Newcastle livewire Fletcher Sharpe was looking particularly lively.

Now named to return, he’ll be forced to step up in both Ponga and Brown’s absence and carry the brunt of the Knights attacking duties.

Stats show he’s ready for the responsibility as he has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances. We’re backing him to make it for, by crossing for the first four pointer in this match.

Betting tip: Fletcher Sharpe.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of the last four matches between Newcastle and New Zealand have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (50.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Newcastle has covered the line in each of their last five home matches against New Zealand.

Betting tip: Knights (+4.5) line.

Knights vs Warriors Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Ali Leiataua

In each of New Zealand's last six matches as a favourite, their starting right centre has scored at least one try.

Greg Marzhew

Greg Marzhew has scored a try in each of Newcastle's last four matches.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

In seven of Newcastle's last eight matches, the opposition's starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Adam Pompey

Adam Pompey has scored at least one try in five of New Zealand's last six matches as a favourite.

Knights vs Warriors Teams

Newcastle Knights Team List

1. Fletcher Hunt

2. Dominic Young

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Sandon Smith

8. Jacob Saifiti (c)

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney 

11. Dylan Lucas

12. Jermaine McEwen

13. Tyson Frizell

14. Thomas Cant

15. Mat Croker

16. Pasami Saulo

17. Francis Manuleleua

18. Tyson Gamble

New Zealand Warriors Team List

1. Taine Tuaupiki

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Ali Leiataua

4. Adam Pompey

5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

6. Luke Hanson

7. Tanah Boyd

8. James Fisher-Harris (c)

9. Wayde Egan

10. Jackson Ford

11. Leka Halasima

12. Jacob Laban

13. Erin Clark

14. Sam Healey

15. Demitric Vaimauga

16. Tanner Stowers-Smith

17. Marata Niukore

18. Morgon Gannon

Knights vs Warriors Match Details

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Kick-off: 3:00pm AEDT.

Location: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.