The New Zealand Warriors return from the bye with a 7-2 record for a Magic Round clash against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. 

The Warriors’ last outing was a powerful 36-14 win over Parramatta in Sydney, a performance that showcased their ruthless edge under Andrew Webster and made it four on the trot. 

Meanwhile, the reigning premiers are battered and bruised with their missing stars proving costly in a 32-4 loss to Manly last weekend. Jack Gosiewski (concussion) and Antonio Verhoeven (shoulder) are the latest casualties for Michael Maguire, although captain Adam Reynolds returns and Phillip Coates has been named to debut on the wing. 

The Warriors welcome back Ali Leiataua, Mitchell Barnett and Wayde Egan from concussion, but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a major loss for the backline. 

The sides split their two encounters last season, including a thriller won by the Warriors in golden point. Will we see something similar play out on Sunday? 

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Sunday special, check out our Warriors vs Broncos tips and predictions below.

Warriors vs Broncos Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

What a Sunday special this is shaping up to be. Hometown heroes the Broncos will once again be the beneficiaries of Magic Round taking place in Brisbane, as they are technically the away team on paper here.

While New Zealand may feel a little hard done by the NRL’s scheduling team, they will be confident enough in themselves to get the job done in front of a largely Brisbane-based crowd. 

That being said, we can’t help but back the Broncos here. Yes, we said we were done writing the Warriors off, but with Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt set to return and the added luxury of home ground advantage in their back pocket, there’s plenty of value to be had siding with the defending Premiers.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos.

First Try Scorer Prediction 

A former QLD resident, who knows a thing or two about scoring in the Sunshine State, Warriors’ winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored at least one try in each of his last seven appearances at Suncorp Stadium.

Arguably the best young try scorer in the game, AKP strike rate in the top grade is reminiscent of the likes of Alex Johnston, and we’re backing him to add another four-pointer to his tally with the opener in this game. 

Betting tip: Alofiana Khan-Pereira.

Over/Under Prediction 

Six of New Zealand's last seven matches in Australia have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over 51.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

Brisbane has covered the line in four of its last five matches after losing as a favourite.

Betting tip: Broncos (+2.5) line. 

Warriors vs Broncos Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Gehamat Shibasaki

Gehamat Shibasaki has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances at Suncorp Stadium against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Tanah Boyd

In each of Brisbane's last three matches, the opposition's starting halfback has scored a try.

Reece Walsh

Reece Walsh has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances at Suncorp Stadium against opponents that were ranked in the top four.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

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

Josiah Karapani

Josiah Karapani has scored at least one try in four of Brisbane's last five matches at Suncorp Stadium against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Adam Pompey

Adam Pompey has scored a try in each of his last three appearances against teams on a losing streak.

Ezra Mam

Ezra Mam has scored a try in each of Brisbane's last three matches in Queensland.

Warriors vs Broncos Teams 

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. Tanah Boyd

8. James Fisher-Harris (c)

9. Wayde Egan

10. Mitch Barnett

11. Leka Halasima

12. Kurt Capewell

13. Erin Clark 

14. Sam Healey

15. Jackson Ford

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Jacob Laban

18. Tanner Stowers-Smith

Brisbane Broncos Team List 

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Jesse Arthars

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Phillip Coates

6. Ezra Mam

7. Adam Reynolds (c)

8. Preston Riki

9. Cory Paix

10. Xavier Willison

11. Jaiyden Hunt

12. Jordan Riki

13. Pat Carrigan

14. Ben Hunt

15. Ben Talty

16. Va'a Semu

17. Aublix Tawha

18. Hayze Perham

Warriors vs Broncos Match Details 

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:00pm AEST. 

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.