The New Zealand Warriors will look to retain top spot on the NRL ladder when hosting the Newcastle Knights at Go Media Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Warriors continued their strong form with a 45-26 win over the Rabbitohs last Saturday, moving them above Penrith and Sydney in the race for the J.J. Giltinan Shield entering Round 26. 

Meanwhile, the Knights suffered a 44-24 home defeat to Manly last Saturday. A win this week takes Newcastle one step closer to sewing up a home elimination final, while a loss could see it leapfrogged by South Sydney. 

Backline changes for the Warriors see Luke Laulilii named to replace the injured Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, while Ali Leiataua and Te Maire Martin are both named to start. 

Dane Gagai returns for the Knights, although they will be without suspended duo Dominic Young and Tyson Frizell, while Phoenix Crossland will miss through injury. New Zealand dominated Newcastle 38-12 when these sides met inside the first month of the season.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this crucial match, check out our Warriors vs Knights tips and predictions below!

Warriors vs Knights Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The penultimate game of the penultimate round sees newly minted table-toppers New Zealand take on Newcastle at Go Media Stadium.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the Wahs at the moment though, as Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is in doubt with an AC joint injury, and Luke Metcalf is confirmed out for the remainder of the regular season with a hamstring problem.

The Knights have personnel concerns of their own, as Dom Young and Tyson Frizell both face one-game bans for hip drop tackles. If both suspensions are upheld, the Knights will lose genuine strike power.

All things considered, the Warriors, despite their injury concerns, are at home and will be desperate to protect top spot heading into the final round. We’re tipping them to take another step towards winning their first minor premiership since 2002 with a hard-fought victory here.

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Home is where the heart is and that sentiment is certainly true for Warriors winger Luke Laulilii.

The in form hot stepper has scored at least one try in each of his six previous home appearances and is our tip for first try scorer here. 

Betting tip: Luke Laulilii.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of New Zealand's last six matches at Go Media Stadium have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 48.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

The underdog has covered the line in each of Newcastle's last 12 matches.

Betting tip: Knights (+11.5) line. 

Warriors vs Knights Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Fletcher Sharpe

Fletcher Sharpe has scored at least one try in each of his last seven appearances outside of New South Wales.

Chanel Harris-Tavita

Chanel Harris-Tavita has scored a try in each of New Zealand's last five matches.

Dane Gagai

In each of Newcastle's last three matches, their starting right centre has scored at least one try.

Jacob Laban

Jacob Laban has scored a try in each of New Zealand's last three matches as a favourite.

Warriors vs Knights Teams 

New Zealand Warriors Team List 

1. Taine Tuaupiki

2. Luke Laulilii

3. Ali Leiataua

4. Leka Halasima

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. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

18. Adam Pompey

19. Morgan Gannon

Newcastle Knights Team List 

1. Kalyn Ponga (c)

2. Fletcher Hunt

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Sandon Smith

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Harrison Graham

10. Trey Mooney

11. Jermaine McEwen

12. Francis Manuleleua

13. Mat Croker

14. Thomas Cant

15. Cody Hopwood

16. Lachlan Crouch

17. Pasami Saulo

18. Toby Winter

19. Diesel Hagan

Warriors vs Knights Match Details 

Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026. 

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST. 

Location: Go Media Stadium, Auckland.