The New Zealand Warriors will return home looking to continue their outstanding start to the 2026 season when they host the Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium on Friday night.

The Warriors sit atop the ladder after winning their opening three matches by an average margin of 28.0 points, with the most recent a 38-12 victory over Newcastle last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Tigers arrive in Auckland after a 20-16 loss to the Rabbitohs in Gosford and face a significant challenge on the road without key playmaker Jarome Luai, who is managing a knee injury.

Luke Metcalf’s return from an ACL injury is a luxury for the streaking Warriors, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Adam Pompey are also back.

Jock Madden replaces Luai in the halves for the Tigers while Latu Fainu is named among the reserves after his recovery from a shoulder reconstruction.

The Warriors have claimed their past nine encounters with Wests, including a 34-14 triumph at this venue last season. Can they make it 10 from 10?

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this clash across the ditch, check out our Warriors vs Tigers tips and predictions below.

Warriors vs Tigers Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The undefeated Warriors welcome the Wests Tigers to Go Media Stadium, Auckland in Round 4.

No one expected it, but the Wahs are undoubtedly the form team of the competition, scoring tries at will, while playing a more mature and conservative brand of footy than in years gone by.

Tanah Boyd has been channelling Joey Johns, steering the team around with authority, kicking well and finding opportunities with his running game.

With Luke Metcalf nearing a return, coach Webster will have some serious selection headaches, but for now - the Warriors are humming.

Leka Halasima has emerged as an absolute handful. The dynamic ‘Leka Boy’ has already crossed for four tries in the opening three rounds, proving to be a game breaker near the line.

Benji has the Tigers coming along nicely, despite some mixed results. They looked sharp in a competitive defeat against Souths last week and showed plenty of promise in their Round 2 demolition of the Cowboys.

However, Go Media stadium is a daunting task for any opponent; The Wahs have never been more popular, with fans turning out in droves. It’ll be a challenge for the Tigers to find their rhythm against both the Warriors and the Auckland crowd.

While the Tigers are desperate to return to finals footy for the first time since 2011, we expect the Warriors to be too good in this one, they should still be topping the ladder this time next week.

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors.

First Try Scorer Prediction

What a return this would be. After nearly a year sidelined with an ACL injury, last season’s breakout star Luke Metcalf has been named to return this weekend.

We’re tipping him to do more than just return and don’t be surprised if he reminds everyone what they have been missing, early in this one.

Stats support this optimistic premonition, as Luke Metcalf has scored at least one try in each of his three previous appearances against the Wests Tigers.

Betting tip: Luke Metcalf.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of the Wests Tigers' last five matches as underdogs have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (47.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

The Wests Tigers have covered the line in each of their last four matches as underdogs.

Betting tip: Tigers (+12.5) line.

Warriors vs Tigers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Jeral Skelton

Jeral Skelton has scored at least one try in four of the Wests Tigers' last five matches against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Adam Pompey

Adam Pompey has scored at least one try in five of his last six appearances with New Zealand as a favourite.

Samuela Fainu

Samuela Fainu has scored a try in each of the Wests Tigers' last two matches.

Leka Halasima

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

Warriors vs Tigers Teams

New Zealand Warriors Team List

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Adam Pompey

4. Ali Leiataua

5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

6. Luke Metcalf

7. Tanah Boyd

8. James Fisher-Harris (c)

9. Wayde Egan

10. Jackson Ford

11. Leka Halasima

12. Jacob Laban

13. Erin Clark

14. Sam Healey

15. Mitch Barnett

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

18. Marata Niukore

Wests Tigers Team List

1. Jahream Bula

2. Jeral Skleton

3. Sunia Turuva

4. Heamasi Makasini

5. Luke Laulilii

6. Jock Madden

7. Adam Doueihi

8. Terrell May

9. Api Koroisu (c)

10. Fonua Pole

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Kai Pearce-Paul

13. Alex Twal

14. Tristan Hope

15. Sione Fainu

16. Royce Hunt

17. Alex Seyfarth

18. Bunty Afoa

Warriors vs Tigers Match Details

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT.

Location: Go Media Stadium, Auckland.