The New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers will meet in a mouthwatering top-four clash at Go Media Stadium on Friday night. 

The Warriors found some form with a thumping 42-6 victory over the Titans on Saturday, strengthening their grip on a double chance come finals. 

Meanwhile, the Panthers came out flying on the way to a 42-18 win over the Raiders on Saturday to move one step closer to the minor premiership. 

Andrew Webster has named an unchanged starting lineup, giving the Warriors the opportunity to measure themselves against the competition favourites with just over a month until finals. 

Casey McLean is out with a hand injury, meaning Izack Tago has been named in the centres for Penrith. Blaize Talagi is listed on the extended bench. 

The Panthers have been the Warriors’ weakness recently, winning 11 of the past 12 meetings, including a 20-18 victory earlier this season. 

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

Warriors vs Panthers Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

NRL Round 23’s Friday night festivities kick off with a clash that could go a long way to deciding this year’s minor premiership.

Current top dogs Penrith will head across the ditch to face the third-placed Warriors in a pivotal clash.

If the Wahs want any chance of finishing first, the one is a must win, but that’s a lot easier said than done.

The Panthers are not just favourites to win here, but also to win both the minor premiership and the Provan-Summons trophy. 

In the most damning statistic for New Zealand’s hopes though, Penrith have won 11 of their last 12 matches against them. 

A stat this dominant is always tough to tip against and we’re not brave enough to take it head on. 

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

We backed Bizza last week to no avail, but sometimes you just have to double dip. He’s got serious form against the Warriors and has scored at least one try in six of his last seven appearances against the New Zealand side. 

Brian To’o first try scorer, take two – action! 

Betting tip: Brian To’o.

Over/Under Prediction 

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

Betting tip: Under (40.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Penrith has covered the line in seven of their last eight matches outside of Australia.

Betting tip: Panthers (-5.5) line. 

Warriors vs Panthers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Paul Alamoti

Paul Alamoti has scored at least one try in each of his last eight away appearances against opponents that were ranked in the top four.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira

Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored at least one try in each of his five previous appearances against the team that was on top of the ladder.

Nathan Cleary

Nathan Cleary has scored a try in three of his last four appearances against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

Leka Halasima

Leka Halasima has scored a try in each of New Zealand's last four matches as an underdog at Go Media Stadium.

Liam Martin

Liam Martin has scored at least one try in each of Penrith's last two matches.

Warriors vs Panthers Teams 

New Zealand Warriors Team List 

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 

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. Morgan Gannon

17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

18. Luke Metcalf

19. Taine Puaupiki

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Jaxen Edgar

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Izack Tago

5. Brian To'o

6. Jack Cogger

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota  

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Billy Scott

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Liam Henry

17. Billy Phillips

18. Jack Cole

19. Blaize Talagi

Warriors vs Panthers Match Details 

Date: Friday, August 7, 2026. 

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEST. 

Location: Go Media Stadium, Auckland.