The New Zealand Warriors started 2026 in brilliant fashion and will look to continue that momentum as they host the Canberra Raiders at Go Media Stadium on Friday night.

A breathtaking 42-18 domination of the highly fancied Roosters last Friday was the perfect start for the Wahs, who will now be looking to go 2-0 for the first time since 2018.

Meanwhile, the Raiders made hard work of it but managed to defeat the Sea Eagles in a 29-28 thriller.

Canberra trailed 14-0 and then let a 28-14 lead slip away late before eventually prevailing in golden point thanks to an Ethan Sanders field goal.

Last season’s minor premiers have lost veteran Josh Papali’i to a concussion, with Morgan Smithies replacing him at prop and Matthew Timoko joining the interchange.

Meanwhile, the Warriors are unchanged in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s 150th match. Canberra won both meetings between these teams last season, including a 16-10 result at this venue. How will this one play out?

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this one, check out our Warriors vs Raiders tips and predictions below.

Warriors vs Raiders Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Friday’s footy fiesta gets fired up with this clash between the Warriors and the Raiders at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.

The Raiders started their season with a dramatic 29-28 golden point win over Manly, all thanks to the NRL’s latest rookie sensation.

In his first game as the Raiders new starting No.7 young gun Ethan Sanders turned in a performance for the ages, scoring a try, kicking four goals and slotting the decisive field goal at the start of overtime.

Meanwhile, the kings of proving people wrong continue to get it done, regardless of injuries or opposition.

The Warriors saw off the Roosters despite missing many a key player and being written off by a number of media outlets… including us.

Honestly, when will we learn? Well, the answer is this week! At home, the Warriors are simply a different beast. Up the Wahs.

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors.

First Try Scorer Prediction

As mentioned before, this clash serves as a milestone match for one of the game’s great entertainers.  

Former Dally M Medallist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is set to play his 150th NRL game here and what better way to mark the occasion than by opening the scoring.

This is more than just wishful thinking too. Rocking Roger has quite the record against the Raiders. In fact, he has scored a try in each of his last five appearances against Canberra. Written in the stars? Let’s see.

Betting tip: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of Canberra's last four matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (47.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Canberra has covered the line in each of their last five matches at Go Media Stadium.

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders (+1.5) line.

Warriors vs Raiders Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Ethan Strange

Ethan Strange has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances.

Leka Halasima

Leka Halasima has scored at least one try in six of New Zealand's last seven home matches.

Noah Martin

Noah Martin has scored at least one try in three of his last four appearances.

Hudson Young

Hudson Young has scored a try in three of his four previous away appearances against New Zealand.

Warriors vs Raiders Teams

New Zealand Warriors Team List

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Ali Leiataua

4. Adam Pompey

5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Tanah Boyd

8. James Fisher-Harris (c)

9. Wayde Egan

10. Jackson Ford

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Jacob Laban

13. Erin Clark

14. Sam Healey

15. Demitric Vaimauga

16. Leka Halasima

17. Jackson Ford

18. Taine Tuaupiki

Canberra Raiders Team List

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Savielo Tamale

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Sebastian Kris

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Morgan Smithies

9. Tom Starling

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Hudson Young

12. Noah Martin

13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Jayden Brailey

15. Zac Hosking

16. Ata Mariota

17. Matthew Timoko

18. Daine Laurie

Warriors vs Raiders Match Details

Date: Friday, March 13, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT.

Location: Go Media Stadium, Auckland.