It’s a top-of-the-table clash to conclude Round 13 as the first-placed Penrith Panthers host the second-placed New Zealand Warriors at CommBank Stadium on Sunday night. 

Penrith ended New Zealand’s 2025 campaign the last time these two sides met, winning 24-8 at Go Media Stadium in the first week of last year’s finals series. 

The Panthers had the bye last week, meaning their last outing was a scrappy 28-6 win over the Dragons during Magic Round. 

The Warriors were dealt a cruel blow in their 30-12 victory over the Dragons last week, with departing veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck rupturing his ACL. Adam Pompey replaces him in the centres. 

Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell will be rested after Origin, but Luke Metcalf has a chance to return after being named in the extended squad. Panthers coach Ivan 

Cleary has named all of his Origin stars as reserves in a bid to have them back up from Game 1, while Liam Martin is set to return for his first game since Round 6.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this top-of-the-table clash, check out our Panthers vs Warriors tips and predictions below.

Panthers vs Warriors Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

What a way to close out NRL Round 13. The first placed Penrith Panthers will welcome the second placed New Zealand Warriors to CommBank Stadium on Sunday night in what is sure to be one of the games of the season. 

Will the Warriors swallow their pride and reinstate wantaway half Luke Metcalf for this one? They’ll have to if they want to win.

As for Penrith, they’ll be hoping this game is far enough removed from Wednesday’s Origin opener for the likes of Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Issah Yeo. 

As it stands, they should have enough time in the ice bath to be ready to rock here and get the W, but should they fail to back up, then expect the odds to swing heavily in the Wahs favour, particularly if Metcalf is recalled. 

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Flip a coin here, because we’ve got two try scoring savants going head-to-head in this market.

For the Warriors there is speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira who has scored two tries in four of New Zealand's last five matches.

While for the Panthers, you have Thomas “Milky” Jenkins Thomas Jenkins who has scored two tries in four of Penrith's last five home matches.

You can’t really go wrong backing either of these wingers, but since he’s at home, we’ll be taking Jenkins. 

Betting tip: Thomas Jenkins. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Four of Penrith's last five matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (47.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Penrith have covered the line in each of its last seven matches when playing with a rest advantage.

Betting tip: Panthers (-4.5) line. 

Panthers vs Warriors Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored at least one try in each of New Zealand's last seven matches.

Paul Alamoti

Paul Alamoti has scored at least one try in seven of his last eight appearances against opponents that were ranked in the top four.

Liam Martin

Liam Martin has scored a try in each of his two previous home appearances against New Zealand.

Panthers vs Warriors Teams 

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Dylan Edwards  

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Izak Tago

4. Luke Garner 

5. Paul Alamoti 

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Jack Cogger 

8. Moses Leota  

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Liam Henry

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Liam Martin

13. Lindsay Smith

14. Jack Cole

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Billy Phillips

17. Luron Patea

18. Billy Scott

19. Sione Fonua

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 (c)

9. Wayde Egan

10. Jackson Ford

11. Leka Halasima

12. Jacob Laban

13. Erin Clark 

14. Sam Healey

15. Tanner Stowers-Smith

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Marata Niukore

18. Kayliss Fatialofa

Panthers vs Warriors Match Details 

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026. 

Kick-off: 6:15pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.