The New Zealand Warriors will look to regain their momentum in the first NRL match at One New Zealand Stadium against the North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday. 

The Warriors are still hanging onto second spot despite suffering back-to-back defeats to the ladder-leading Panthers and, most recently, the Sharks. 

Andrew Webster's men went down 10-8 to Cronulla in heartbreaking fashion last Saturday as Adam Pompey failed to convert a penalty goal which would have taken the match to golden point. 

Meanwhile, North Queensland is also looking to bounce back from consecutive losses, the latest a 40-14 demolition by the Dolphins prior to last week's bye. 

Origin duo Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell are listed among the reserves as they look to back up this weekend, while an injury to Alofiana Khan-Pereira means Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is on the wing. 

Two big inclusions for the Cowboys, with both Jeremiah Nanai and Braidon Burns named to return. The Warriors have won four straight against the Cowboys.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the first NRL match at ONE New Zealand Stadium, check out our Warriors vs Cowboys tips and predictions below.

Warriors vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Surely the Warriors have the same energy for this game as their coach did after their two-point loss to the Sharks. 

They lost at home, which is shocking considering they have a 56% winning percentage at Go Media Stadium.

The Cowboys have shown plenty of fight this season, but they can’t afford many more losses as they are 2-3 in their last five games. 

We think the Warriors, who are second on the ladder, will be too strong on the night as it will be their debut game at the One NZ Stadium and they’ve also won eight of its last nine matches against teams on a losing streak.

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors.

First Try Scorer Prediction 

He’s got four in his last five and loves a facing loser. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored at least one try in each of New Zealand's last four matches against teams on a losing streak.

We’re tipping DWZ to keep on kicking the Cows while they’re down and pounce for the first try in this one.

Betting tip: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of New Zealand's last five matches in New Zealand have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (50.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

New Zealand has covered the line in each of their last four matches against North Queensland.

Betting tip: Warriors (-9.5) line. 

Warriors vs Cowboys Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored at least one try in seven of his last eight away appearances.

Te Maire Martin

Te Maire Martin has scored at least one try in each of New Zealand's last three matches as a favourite.

Scott Drinkwater

Scott Drinkwater has scored at least one try in four of North Queensland's last five away matches.

Adam Pompey

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

Warriors vs Cowboys Teams 

New Zealand Warriors Team List 

1. Taine Tuaupiki

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 

3. Ali Leiataua

4. Adam Pompey

5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Te Maire Martin

8. Tanner Stowers-Smith

9. Wayde Egan

10. Jackson Ford

11. Jacob Laban

12. Marata Niukore

13. Erin Clark 

14. Sam Healy

15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Kayliss Fatialofa

18. Rocco Berry

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Tualagi

6. Jaxon Purdue

7. Jake Clifford

8. Tom Mikaele 

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki 

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Rueben Cotter

14. Soni Luke

15. Griffin Neame

16. Matthew Lodge

17. Coen Hess

18. Liam Sutton

Warriors vs Cowboys Match Details 

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026. 

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST. 

Location: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch.