The New Zealand Warriors will host the St. George Illawarra Dragons at Go Media Stadium on Saturday night. 

The Warriors bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to the Dolphins with a thumping 32-6 win against the Tigers last Friday. 

Meanwhile, the Dragons return from a bye after notching just their second win of the season in a 24-10 victory over the Tigers during Round 18. 

The Warriors have three big inclusions with Origin duo Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell returning, along with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. 

Leka Halasima and Tanner Stowers-Smith move to the bench while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad drops to the reserves. 

The Dragons make just one change; with Moses Suli added to the extended interchange. The Warriors defeated the Dragons 30-12 when these sides met earlier this season and have won five of their past six meetings overall.

Can they make it six out of seven? For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this trans-Tasman tango, check out our Warriors vs Dragons tips and predictions below!

Warriors vs Dragons Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Saturday’s action continues with a massive mismatch when the second-placed Warriors welcome the dead-last Dragons to Go Media Stadium.

The Wahs appear to be the NRL’s last great hope of ensuring the Penrith dynasty doesn’t start up again and to their credit they won’t go away. 

Still in the minor premiership race, the Warriors are odds on to pick up another vital win here to keep in touch with the purring Panthers.

For St George, their 2026 season flatlined many months ago, but they did pick up their second win of the campaign last start.

We’re tipping that winning streak to end at one, with the likes of Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and James Fisher-Harris ready to run riot here. 

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Returning Warriors’ winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is always good value when it comes to any try scoring market. 

He has scored at least one try in nine of his last 10 appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder and with the Dragons some 15 places, they are primed candidates to cop an early DWZ meat pie. 

Betting tip: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of St. George Illawarra's last eight night matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (46.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

New Zealand has failed to cover the line in each of their last nine matches at Go Media Stadium following an away win.

Betting tip: Dragons (+14.5) line. 

Warriors vs Dragons Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Valentine Holmes

Valentine Holmes has scored at least one try in four of St. George Illawarra's last five matches.

Adam Pompey

Adam Pompey has scored a try in three of his last four appearances at Go Media Stadium against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Setu Tu

Setu Tu has scored a try in each of St. George Illawarra's last three matches outside of Sydney.

Leka Halasima

Leka Halasima has scored at least one try in three of New Zealand's last four home matches against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Te Maire Martin

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

Warriors vs Dragons 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. Te Maire Martin

8. James Fisher-Harris (c)

9. Wayde Egan

10. Mitch Barnett 

11. Kurt Capewell 

12. Jacob Laban

13. Erin Clark 

14. Sam Healey

15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Leka Halasima

18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

St George Illawarra Dragons Team List 

1. Clint Gutherson

2. Setu Tu

3. Mathew Feagai

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Tyrell Sloan 

6. Daniel Atkinson

7. Kyle Flanagan

8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

9. Damien Cook (c)

10. Toby Couchman 

11. Dylan Egan 

12. Hamish Stewart

13. Ryan Couchman

14. Jacob Liddle

15. Luciano Leilua

16. Josh Kerr

17. Jacob Halangahu

18. Moses Suli

Warriors vs Dragons Match Details 

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026. 

Kick-off: 5:35pm AEST. 

Location: Go Media Stadium, Auckland.