<p>The New Zealand Warriors enter this one amongst the top four and will be out to maintain their unbeaten home record when they welcome the struggling Newcastle Knights to Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium on ANZAC Day.</p> <p>After a bright start to the season, the Knights have slumped to four straight losses after being crushed 34-14 at home by the Sharks.</p> <p>During this losing streak, they’ve only managed to score a total of 24 points, and their attack will be under the microscope once again this week.</p> <p>Meanwhile, thanks to a monster Luke Metcalf penalty goal, the Warriors defeated the Broncos in golden point last week to respond from their drubbing at the hands of the Storm.</p> <p>In more good news for the Wahs, they’ll be bolstered by the return of fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and outside back Rocco Berry. The latter’s inclusion shifts Kurt Capewell back to his preferred role in the second row, while Taine Tuaupiki moves to the wing with Ed Kosi out of the 17.</p> <p>For the Knights, Dylan Lucas is back, moving Thomas Cant to the interchange. Let’s take a look at the full line ups for these two teams, along with some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Warriors vs Knights prediction.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Warriors vs Knights Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>New Zealand Warriors</h3> <p>1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad</p> <p>2. Taine Tuaupiki</p> <p>3. Rocco Berry</p> <p>4. Ali Leiataua</p> <p>5. Adam Pompey</p> <p>6. Chanel Harris-Tavita</p> <p>7. Luke Metcalf</p> <p>8. Jackson Ford</p> <p>9. Wayde Egan</p> <p>10. Mitch Barnett</p> <p>11. Kurt Capewell</p> <p>12. Marata Niukore</p> <p>13. Erin Clark</p> <p>14. Leka Halasima</p> <p>15. Bunty Afoa</p> <p>16. Demitric Vaimauga</p> <p>17. Jacob Laban</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Newcastle Knights</h3> <p>1. Kalyn Ponga</p> <p>2. James Schiller</p> <p>3. Dane Gagai</p> <p>4. Bradman Best</p> <p>5. Greg Marzhew</p> <p>6. Fletcher Sharpe</p> <p>7. Tyson Gamble</p> <p>8. Tyson Frizell&nbsp;</p> <p>9. Phoenix Crossland</p> <p>10. Leo Thompson</p> <p>11. Dylan Lucas</p> <p>12. Kai Pearce-Paul</p> <p>13. Mat Croker</p> <p>14. Jayden Brailey</p> <p>15. Tyrone Thompson&nbsp;</p> <p>16. Thomas Cant</p> <p>17. Brodie Jones</p>

<h2>Warriors vs Knights Prediction and Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Warriors get another week in New Zealand as they head to Christchurch where they will link up with the Newcastle Knights on Friday night.</p> <p>Spirits will be high at Wahs HQ after their golden point victory over Brisbane last week sent them back into the top four.</p> <p>Young half Luke Metcalf went from hero, to villain, back to hero in the space of 80 and a half minutes. Apparently, it’s easier to kick goals from 50 out than 20 out in the pouring rain, who knew?</p> <p>For the Knights their season went from bad to worse, as they were humbled at home by the Sharks.</p> <p>With the pressure now mounting on head coach Adam O’Brien and points still very much at a premium for Newcastle, we’ll be taking the Warriors in this one.</p> <p>Particularly on their own patch and particularly as Newcastle has lost nine of its last 10 matches in New Zealand. Yikes.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/new-zealand-warriors-v-newcastle-knights-9132183">New Zealand Warriors</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Try Scorer Prediction</h3> <p>Last week’s golden point hero for the Warriors got the plaudits for scoring two points when it mattered most, but he’s also known to pop up with crucial four pointers more often than not.</p> <p>Luke Metcalf has scored a try in four of New Zealand's last five matches and we’re tipping him to swap the late game heroics for some early bird behaviour here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/new-zealand-warriors-v-newcastle-knights-9132183"> </a></strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/new-zealand-warriors-v-newcastle-knights-9132183">Luke Metcalf</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Over/Under Prediction</h3> <p>Just like the last few weeks, whenever Newcastle are involved, we’re far more partial to the under than the over in the total points market.</p> <p>You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out why either. Newcastle can’t score points at the moment.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/new-zealand-warriors-v-newcastle-knights-9132183">Under total match points</a>.</p>

<h2>Warriors vs Knights Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, April 25, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off: </strong>6:05pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch.&nbsp;</p>