New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights Prediction – Round 8 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

Warriors vs Knights Teams

 

New Zealand Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Taine Tuaupiki

3. Rocco Berry

4. Ali Leiataua

5. Adam Pompey

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Luke Metcalf

8. Jackson Ford

9. Wayde Egan

10. Mitch Barnett

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Marata Niukore

13. Erin Clark

14. Leka Halasima

15. Bunty Afoa

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Jacob Laban

 

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. James Schiller

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Tyson Gamble

8. Tyson Frizell 

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Leo Thompson

11. Dylan Lucas

12. Kai Pearce-Paul

13. Mat Croker

14. Jayden Brailey

15. Tyrone Thompson 

16. Thomas Cant

17. Brodie Jones

Warriors vs Knights Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

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.

Spirits will be high at Wahs HQ after their golden point victory over Brisbane last week sent them back into the top four.

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?

For the Knights their season went from bad to worse, as they were humbled at home by the Sharks.

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.

Particularly on their own patch and particularly as Newcastle has lost nine of its last 10 matches in New Zealand. Yikes.

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors.

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

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.

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.

Betting tip: Luke Metcalf.

 

Over/Under Prediction

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.

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out why either. Newcastle can’t score points at the moment.

Betting tip: Under total match points.

Warriors vs Knights Match Details

 

Date: Friday, April 25, 2025.

Kick-off: 6:05pm AEST.

Location: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch.